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DIMAPUR — What started as a preparation for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, inspired by his maternal uncle, took a different direction due to family financial challenges at home. However, this did not deter Rahul Pratap Singh from pursuing other opportunities. After graduating from Jamshedpur Workers’ College in Jharkhand, he attempted various exams conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and successfully cleared the SSC Multi-tasking Staff (MTS) on his first attempt in 2023. The 26-year-old is currently working as a Personal MTS designated to the Deputy Director at the Directorate of Census Operations in Porompat, Imphal East, Manipur.
In an interview with Eastern Mirror, Rahul Pratap shares briefly on the SSC MTS exam and offers advice for aspiring candidates.
Can you guide first-time aspirants on filling out the application form, eligibility criteria, and other details?
Candidates must be between 18 and 25 years for most MTS positions, with an upper age limit of 27 years for Havaldar positions. Age relaxations apply for certain categories, extending up to 45 years. The minimum educational qualification is matriculation (Class 10) from a recognised board.
Can you share details about the Session I exam, which is qualifying in nature?
There are only two sessions for the exam. The total time duration for the SSC MTS exam is 45 minutes for each session. There is no negative marking for Session I but for Session II, one mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer. In Session I, 20 questions from Mathematics (matriculation level), and 20 questions from the Reasoning section. Candidates need to answer six questions from each section correctly to qualify this session.
What are the details on the main exam (Session II) for GK and English, including cut-off scores, and other relevant information?
In Session II, there will be 25 questions from the English Section and 25 questions from the GK Section. Three marks for each correct answer and -1 (minus one) mark for incorrect answer.
Before SSC 2022 MTS, the pattern was different. There were 100 questions. One mark for each correct answer and .25 marks were deducted for every wrong answer and each 25 questions were from GK, English, Mathematics, and Reasoning.
SSC MTS cut-off 2022 for 18-25 years was 130 for the EWS category and 129 for 18-27 years for the UR category.
Specifically, I would say to score as much as you can in Session ll to qualify the paper and get the job.
Can you provide the Maths syllabus and recommend online or offline materials and tips for practice and mock tests?
For the Maths syllabus, some chapters are very important and some are less important. List of important chapters are – percentage, ratio-proportion, mixture and alligation, partnership, age, speed-distance-time, pipe and cistern, boat and stream, algebra, trigonometry, mensuration etc. And the chapters which candidates can ignore if they have less time can be – height and distance, number system, mean, median, mode, etc.
When it comes to online and offline materials, for online you can check any YouTube videos of your choice. Going by my recommendation, if you understand Hindi well then you can go for RBE YouTube channels by Shubham Jain sir, Gagan Pratap sir, Aditya Ranjan sir, etc.
For English, YouTube channels like Aman sir English classes for SSC, English with Rani Ma’am will be helpful for candidates.
For Reasoning, in Dixit sir maths’ YouTube channel, search for the playlist of Reasoning Section.
For GK, Parmar SSC GK, and IndoLogus YouTube channels.
For offline preparation, I would suggest the following:
Book for maths practice- RS Agarwal Quantitative book.
Reasoning- RS Agarwal Reasoning book.
GK- Lucent General Knowledge
English- Plinth to Paramount by Neetu Singh
When it comes to the reasoning section, what should aspirants focus on?
The verbal reasoning section constitutes approximately 60 percent of the weightage in the SSC MTS syllabus for General Intelligence and Reasoning section. Key topics in this section include Series, Direction, Ranks, Coding-Decoding, Arrangement, Analogy, Syllogism, Classification, and Statement and Conclusion.
What should aspirants prioritise for the English segment, including recommended books or newspapers?
The English syllabus of SSC CGL, CHSL and MTS includes topics like vocabulary, grammar, and verbal ability. It covers areas such as synonyms, antonyms, idioms and phrases, sentence correction, reading comprehension, essay writing.
Newspaper- Reading plays a vital role in preparation of SSC exams. I used to read the Indian Express. Many students/aspirants read The Hindu as well. You can refer any of these two of your choice or availability.
Given the vastness of the GK section, how can aspiring candidates effectively tackle it based on your experience?
Some of the tips to follow inorder to score high marks in the general awareness section of the SSC MTS exam are – focus on important topics, work on the topics and areas where you are weak, and go through Previous Years’ Question papers.
Static General Knowledge is often required for exams of numerous staff selection commissions (SSC) in India. These exams test candidates on their static GK about economics, history, geography, politics, and other subjects that are not likely to change over time.
When it comes to General studies or general knowledge, the pattern is the same in any exam which is being conducted by SSC, be it SSC CGL, SSC CHSL , or SSC MTS. So candidates can keep this in mind while preparing.
What strategies can aspirants use to focus on the right study materials amid the overwhelming options available?
First of all, we have to limit our resources. Whatever we have searched and surveyed for our preparation, stick with that particular YouTube teacher and syllabus. Aspirants need to complete it thoroughly and then try to attempt mock tests. If we are getting decent marks in our mock paper then it is okay. However, there is no need to worry; you can always work on some weak areas.
What key factors should be considered when analysing mock test results?
If we have attempted any mock, first of all we have to check the sections where we are lacking, and what should we do to revamp it as soon as possible. Then, hold your mock tests for a while and correct your weak areas, and start your mock test.
What are the responsibilities and duties of an MTS after passing the SSC MTS exam?
We have some clerical work to do like handling files, collecting money for some office events, managing cleanliness drives. Sometimes we are assigned to work with some senior officials and officers.
After clearing SSC MTS, one can apply and prepare for higher posts in some consecutive years.
What did you learn from the entire preparation and exam experience that you would pass on to other aspirants?
There are so many takeaways from my exam preparation experience, I would like to share in pointers:
RAPID INSIGHTS:
Imphal in three words
Beautiful, auspicious, and love.
Your top-most priority in life
Mental peace.
Dream vacation destination
Vaishno Devi Temple with my family, especially with mom and dad.