The Staff Selection Commission Multi-Tasking Staff (SSC MTS) exam is one of the most popular competitive exams in India for 10th-pass candidates. Every year, lakhs of aspirants apply for this exam with the hope of securing a government job that offers job security, regular income, and future growth.
However, only a small percentage of candidates succeed in clearing the exam. One of the most common questions among beginners is: How many hours should I study daily to clear SSC MTS in the first attempt?
SSC MTS Exam Pattern
Before deciding on your study hours, you must first understand the exam pattern and syllabus. The SSC MTS Computer-Based Test (CBT) is conducted in two sessions:
- Session 1 includes Numerical and Mathematical Ability and Reasoning Ability.
- Session 2 includes General Awareness and English Language.
There are a total of 90 questions for 270 marks, with a time limit of 45 minutes per session. While Session 1 has no negative marking, Session 2 deducts 1 mark for each wrong answer. Knowing this helps you understand the level of accuracy and speed needed in the exam.
How Many Hours Should You Study Per Day for SSC MTS?
There is no single answer like “study for 6 hours every day” that works for everyone. The correct number of hours depends on various personal factors. But to give you a general idea:
- If you are starting from scratch and not in touch with basic concepts, you should aim for at least 6–7 hours of study daily.
- If you are moderately prepared or have already studied some topics, 4–5 hours of focused study daily should be enough.
- If you are revising or giving final touches to your preparation, then 3–4 hours of quality study with mock tests can work well.
Also Read: SSC MTS 2025 Notification Out @ssc.gov.in, Check Multi Tasking Staff & Havaldar Post Details
Quality Study is Better than Long Study
Studying for 8 hours with distractions like phone notifications, irregular breaks, and multitasking is less effective than 4 hours of deep and focused study. The aim is not to just count hours but to make each hour productive.
A good way to ensure quality study is to divide your time using techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes study + 5 minutes break) or blocking time for individual subjects. Avoid passive reading. Instead, take notes, solve questions, and revise regularly.
Break Your day into Subject-Wise Slots
Here’s an example of how you can plan your day if you are preparing full-time:
For Beginners (6–7 hours a day):
- Numerical Ability – 2 hours (Concept learning + practice)
- Reasoning Ability – 1.5 hours (Topic-wise practice)
- General Awareness – 1.5 hours (Daily current affairs + static GK)
- English Language – 1.5 hours (Grammar + vocabulary + comprehension)
For Moderate Learners (4–5 hours a day):
- Numerical or Reasoning – 1.5 hours
- English or GA – 1.5 hours
- Mock Test/Revision – 1–2 hours
Remember to adjust this as per your strong and weak areas.
Also Read: Latest SSC MTS Exam Pattern and Selection Process 2025 for Multi-Tasking Staff & Havaldar Posts
Daily Revision is Must for SSC MTS
Many students make the mistake of only learning new topics and not revising the old ones. But for an exam like SSC MTS, where accuracy and speed are both important, revision plays a key role. Every day, spend at least 30 minutes to 1 hour revising what you studied the previous day. This helps in long-term retention and improves confidence.
Importance of Mock Tests and Practice Papers
No matter how many hours you study, without practicing actual exam-like questions, you will not be ready for the real test. Once your basics are clear in each section, start attempting:
- Topic-wise practice questions
- Previous year question papers
- Full-length mock tests under exam timing
Try to give at least 2–3 mock tests per week in the initial months and increase the frequency to daily mocks in the last month before the exam.
Make Time Table for SSC MTS
Your daily study schedule should match your personal routine. If you are a student or working professional, adjust your study time to mornings, evenings, or weekends. Even 3 hours of regular focused study every day can help you clear SSC MTS, if you plan well and use your time wisely.
Make sure your timetable:
- Is realistic, not over-ambitious
- Has enough breaks to avoid burnout
- Includes revision time
- Allows mock test practice
Also Read: SSC CGL Syllabus 2025 and Exam Pattern
Avoid Common Mistakes
While preparing for SSC MTS, many candidates waste time unknowingly. Some common mistakes you should avoid are:
- Spending too much time on one subject, ignoring others
- Postponing revision until the last month
- Focusing only on General Awareness and ignoring English and Quant
- Not analyzing mock tests and repeating the same mistakes
Whether you study 3 hours or 6 hours a day, what matters the most is discipline and consistency. Clearing SSC MTS in the first attempt is very much possible if you prepare with a clear plan, stay regular with your studies, and practice sincerely.
Don’t aim to study for long hours in one day and then skip the next day. It is better to study 4 hours every day for 5 months than to study 10 hours a day in the last month. Make a routine that suits you and stick to it. Stay motivated and believe in your preparation.
