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The SSC MTS CBE 2026 is scheduled between September and November 2026. With over 36 lakh candidates registered in the 2025 cycle and similar numbers expected for 2026, SSC enforces strict entry and conduct protocols across hundreds of exam centres nationwide. Knowing exactly what to carry, what to expect at each checkpoint, how the two-session structure works at the centre, and what the key rules are for each session saves candidates from avoidable exam-day complications.
This page covers everything needed for SSC MTS exam day 2026: shift timings, mandatory documents, the Aadhaar biometric requirement, prohibited items, admit card download steps, the self-declaration and LTI procedure, the two-session structure at the exam centre, session-specific conduct rules, PwBD accommodations, and a complete night-before checklist.
The SSC MTS CBE is conducted in multiple shifts daily. Based on the 2025-26 cycle (February 2026 exam), four shifts were conducted per day. The 2026 exam (September-November 2026) is expected to follow the same pattern.
| Shift Reporting Time Gate Closes Session 1 Start Session 1 End Break Session 2 Start Session 2 End | |||||||
| Shift 1 | 7:30 AM | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 9:45 AM | 9:45-10:00 AM | 10:00 AM | 10:45 AM |
| Shift 2 | 10:30 AM | 11:00 AM | 11:30 AM | 12:15 PM | 12:15-12:30 PM | 12:30 PM | 1:15 PM |
| Shift 3 | 1:30 PM | 2:00 PM | 2:30 PM | 3:15 PM | 3:15-3:30 PM | 3:30 PM | 4:15 PM |
| Shift 4 | 4:30 PM | 5:00 PM | 5:30 PM | 6:15 PM | 6:15-6:30 PM | 6:30 PM | 7:15 PM |
The unique feature of SSC MTS compared to other SSC exams is the two-session structure within the same sitting. Session 1 (45 minutes) is followed by a mandatory 15-minute break and then Session 2 (45 minutes). Candidates cannot leave the exam centre during the break; they must wait at their assigned workstation or in a designated waiting area.
The exam shift and exact timings for each candidate are printed on the admit card. Always treat the admit card timings as authoritative. Report at least 30 to 45 minutes before the gate closure time.
The admit card for the SSC MTS 2026 CBE is expected approximately 3 to 5 days before each candidate's exam date. In the 2025-26 cycle, the city intimation slip was released January 30, 2026, and the admit card was available from February 2, 2026, for an exam starting February 4, 2026.
| Step Action | |
| 1 | Visit ssc.gov.in |
| 2 | Click "Admit Card" in the top navigation or homepage banner |
| 3 | Find the SSC MTS 2026 CBE Admit Card link |
| 4 | Enter Registration Number and Date of Birth |
| 5 | Enter the captcha code |
| 6 | Download the PDF and print on A4 paper |
| 7 | Print at least 2 copies; keep one at home |
| Field What to Check | |
| Name | Must match Class 10 certificate and photo ID exactly |
| Roll Number | Your unique exam identifier |
| Exam Date and Shift | Confirm date, shift, reporting time |
| Gate Closure Time | Plan arrival accordingly |
| Exam Centre Name and Address | Map route in advance |
| Photograph | Should match current appearance |
| Self-declaration Area | Must be BLANK; fill only at centre |
| LTI Box | Must be BLANK; ink only at centre |
| Signature Box | Must be BLANK; sign only at centre |
Every candidate must carry the following on exam day. Entry is denied if any mandatory item is missing.
| Document Specification | |
| Printed Admit Card | Hard copy on A4; digital copy not accepted |
| Valid Original Photo ID | One government-issued original (see accepted IDs below) |
| Photocopy of Photo ID | One self-attested copy |
| Passport-size Photographs | Two to three recent colour photos matching the application photo |
| ID Condition | |
| Aadhaar Card | Physical card or official e-Aadhaar printout from uidai.gov.in |
| PAN Card | Must be valid |
| Voter ID (EPIC) | Must be valid |
| Passport | Within validity period |
| Driving Licence | Within validity period |
| Photo ID issued by Central or State Government | Recognised authority |
SSC has progressively implemented Aadhaar-based biometric verification at exam centres. Based on recent SSC exam cycles (CHSL 2025, MTS 2025-26), Aadhaar biometric verification is expected at SSC MTS 2026 exam centres.
| Requirement Detail | |
| Carry original Aadhaar | Physical card or official e-Aadhaar printout |
| Aadhaar must be biometrically UNLOCKED | Check and unlock at uidai.gov.in at least 3 days before exam |
| m-Aadhaar app / DigiLocker copy | NOT accepted |
| If biometric is locked | May not be admitted; prevent by checking in advance |
Check your Aadhaar biometric status at uidai.gov.in (My Aadhaar → Lock/Unlock Biometrics) at least 3 days before the exam. Unlocking may take up to 24 hours to reflect across verification systems.
| Item Status | |
| Mobile phones (switched off or not) | Strictly prohibited |
| Smartwatches and digital watches | Prohibited |
| Calculators | Prohibited |
| Bluetooth devices and earphones | Prohibited |
| Tablets and laptops | Prohibited |
| Cameras of any type | Prohibited |
| Any electronic device capable of recording or transmitting | Prohibited |
| Item Status | |
| Books, notes, printed material of any kind | Not permitted |
| Paper chits with any content | Not permitted |
| Rough sheets from home | Centre provides official rough sheets |
| Item Status | |
| Bags, purses, backpacks | No storage at most centres; leave outside |
| Metal jewellery | Remove before arriving |
| Non-religious head coverings | Face must be visible for biometric |
| Food and beverages | Not permitted unless medically declared |
SSC MTS 2026 will implement biometric verification at multiple points.
The admit card has a self-declaration section, signature box, and LTI box. These must be completed at the examination centre only, in the invigilator's presence. Do not pre-fill any of these sections at home.
LTI procedure at centre:
A webcam at the workstation captures periodic live images during the exam. Maintain clear facial visibility throughout both sessions.
The SSC MTS CBE has a unique two-session structure. Understanding the exact sequence prevents confusion on exam day.
| Phase Activity | |
| Entry and registration | Documents checked, biometric captured, seat assigned |
| Pre-exam preparation | Self-declaration filled at workstation, instructions read on screen |
| Session 1 (45 minutes) | Numerical Ability (20 Q) + Reasoning (20 Q); NO negative marking; attempt ALL |
| Mandatory 15-minute break | Candidates must remain inside the exam hall or designated area; no exit permitted |
| Session 2 (45 minutes) | General Awareness (25 Q) + English (25 Q); 1-mark negative marking; apply accuracy discipline |
| Post-exam | Rough sheets returned; candidates wait for invigilator's permission to exit |
| Rule Session 1 Session 2 | ||
| Negative marking | None | 1 mark per wrong answer |
| Optimal strategy | Attempt all 40 questions | Apply accuracy discipline; skip uncertain questions |
| Time available | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Section switching | Allowed within session | Allowed within session |
| Cross-session switching | NOT allowed | NOT allowed |
Candidates cannot switch from Session 1 to Session 2 early, nor can they return to Session 1 during Session 2. The system enforces the 45-minute session boundary automatically.
| Rule Detail | |
| Do not start until instructed | Wait for the invigilator's signal |
| Read instructions on screen | Full instructions appear before timer activates |
| Check workstation function | Report issues immediately before starting |
| Do not attempt early | Questions are locked until the timer begins |
| Complete admit card procedure | Fill self-declaration, sign, apply LTI before Session 1 |
| Rule Detail | |
| Maintain silence | No talking to other candidates |
| Use only official rough sheets | No personal paper for working |
| No screen photography | Strictly prohibited |
| Washroom breaks | Permitted with invigilator escort; timer continues |
| No leaving until session ends | Cannot exit before each session's 45-minute timer expires |
| No leaving during break | Must remain in designated area during the 15-minute break |
| Rule Detail | |
| Return all rough sheets | Mandatory before leaving workstation |
| Do not share question content | Strictly prohibited; violates exam conduct rules |
| Retain admit card | Required for Document Verification after final selection |
| Wait for invigilator permission | Do not leave until instructed |
SSC does not prescribe a formal dress code but advises:
| Recommendation Reason | |
| Light, simple clothing | Easier security screening |
| Remove metal accessories before leaving home | Metal detectors at entry |
| Flat or open footwear | Easy removal if required by security |
| No non-religious head coverings | Face must be visible for biometric |
| Comfortable clothing for 90+ minutes sitting | Exam halls vary in temperature |
| Accommodation Detail | |
| Extra time | 20 minutes per hour; for 90-minute exam = 30 extra minutes (120 minutes total) |
| Scribe | Must be pre-declared in application; not requestable on exam day |
| Original disability certificate | Must be carried to each session |
| Accessible seating | PwBD candidates assigned accessible workstations |
| Item Status | |
| Admit card printed (2 copies) | Done / Print now |
| Aadhaar biometric checked and unlocked | Verified at uidai.gov.in |
| Original Aadhaar card | In document folder |
| Valid photo ID (original) | In folder |
| Photocopy of photo ID | In folder |
| 2-3 recent passport-size photographs | In folder |
| Exam centre address mapped | Route planned; travel time estimated |
| Departure time set | Accounts for 30-45 min before gate closure |
| Alarm set and verified | Done |
| Mobile phone plan | Leave at home or with companion outside |
| Metal accessories | Removed; left at home |
| Self-declaration on admit card | BLANK (fill at centre only) |
| Clothing prepared | Light, simple, comfortable |
| Sleep | Aim for 7-8 hours |
| Problem Action | |
| Forgot admit card | Entry denied; contact SSC regional helpline; no on-spot duplicate |
| Aadhaar biometric locked | Cannot complete verification; prevent by checking 3 days in advance |
| Name mismatch between ID and admit card | Carry Class 10 certificate as supporting document; inform gate security proactively |
| Workstation malfunction | Inform invigilator immediately; do not attempt to fix |
| Session 2 locked early | Inform invigilator; software issue requiring intervention |
| Arrived after gate closure | Cannot appear; entry gates are closed strictly |
Can I carry a digital copy of the admit card? No. Only a printed hard copy is accepted. Mobile phones are also prohibited inside the exam hall.
What happens during the 15-minute break between sessions? Candidates must remain inside the exam centre premises. No exit, no study material, no mobile phones. The workstation displays a waiting screen. Use the time for mental preparation for Session 2.
Can I attempt Session 2 questions during Session 1 time? No. The system enforces strict session boundaries. Session 1 (Maths + Reasoning) and Session 2 (GA + English) are completely separate. You cannot access Session 2 questions before Session 1 ends.
Is there a separate reporting time for Session 2? No. Candidates report once for their assigned shift. Both sessions are conducted on the same day as part of a single sitting with a mandatory break.
What if I need to use the restroom during Session 1 or Session 2? You may request permission from the invigilator. You will be escorted, and the session timer continues. Use the 15-minute break between sessions to avoid losing exam time to restroom visits.