SSC MTS vs RRB Group D: Eligibility, Exam, Physical Test and Pay Compared
16 Oct 2026
- Comparison
- Recruitment Process
Quick answer
SSC's Multi-Tasking Staff and the railways' Level 1 (Group D) posts are the two largest central recruitments open after Class 10, both at Level 1 of the pay matrix. This guide compares their age limits, qualifications, examination patterns, physical tests and the kind of work each leads to, from the current official notices.
SSC's Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff examination and the railways' Level 1 recruitment — still widely called "Group D" — draw from the same pool: candidates with Class 10. Both lead to Level 1 of the 7th CPC pay matrix. But they test differently, one has a physical test and the other mostly does not, and their age limits are far apart. This guide sets them side by side from their current notices; neither is "better", and the closing section is about which suits whom.
For every live vacancy open to you today, see jobs for 10th pass, or browse clerical and office vacancies and railway vacancies.
At a Glance
| SSC MTS (2025 cycle) | RRB Level 1, CEN 09/2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pay | Level 1 | Level 1, ₹18,000 initial |
| Qualification | Matriculation | 10th pass, or ITI, or National Apprenticeship Certificate |
| Age | 18–25 for MTS (18–27 for Havaldar and some MTS posts), as on 1 August 2025 | 18–33 as on 1 January 2026 |
| Examination | Computer-based, two sessions | Single computer-based test |
| Negative marking | None in Session I; one mark in Session II | One-third of a mark |
| Physical test | Only for Havaldar | For every post |
| Where you work | Central government ministries and offices | Railway engineering, mechanical, traffic and other departments |
Eligibility
Both take Class 10. SSC requires that candidates "must have passed Matriculation Examination or equivalent" by the cut-off date, with the result "declared by the Board by the specified date". The railways accept "10th pass or ITI or equivalent or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC)" — but not an engineering diploma or degree "in lieu of" an ITI or apprenticeship.
The age difference is the largest. MTS is 18 to 25 for most posts; the railways run to 33. A 28-year-old with Class 10 can apply for Level 1 railway posts but not for MTS.
The Examination
SSC MTS is a computer-based examination in two sessions on the same day. Session I has numerical and mathematical ability and reasoning, 20 questions each for 60 marks each; Session II has general awareness and English, 25 questions each for 75 marks each. There is "no negative marking in Session-I", and "negative marking of one mark for each wrong answer" in Session II. The paper is available in Hindi, English and 13 regional languages. The qualifying marks in each session are 30% for UR, 25% for OBC and EWS and 20% for others.
RRB Level 1 is "a single stage Computer Based Test" of 100 questions in 90 minutes — general science 25, mathematics 25, general intelligence and reasoning 30, and general awareness and current affairs 20 — with "1/3 marks … deducted for each wrong answer". The minimum for shortlisting is 40% for UR and EWS and 30% for OBC, SC and ST. Normalisation applies where the test runs in several shifts — see normalisation of marks.
The Physical Test
This is where the two differ most for most candidates. MTS has no physical test; only the Havaldar posts in the same examination have a physical efficiency and standard test.
Every railway Level 1 candidate must pass a Physical Efficiency Test after the CBT. Men must "lift and carry 35 Kg of weight for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes" and "run for a distance of 1000 meters in 4 minutes and 15 seconds in one chance"; women must carry 20 kg over the same distance and run 1,000 metres in 5 minutes 40 seconds. The test is qualifying, and candidates are shortlisted for it at three times the vacancies.
The Work
MTS posts are in central government ministries, departments and offices across the country. Railway Level 1 posts are operational: track maintainers, assistants in bridge, carriage and wagon, and workshop departments, pointsmen in traffic, and others — with a medical category for each post. The RRB Group D guide describes the posts and their medical standards.
Which Suits Whom
- If you are over 25, only the railway route is open of the two.
- If you are not physically ready for a 35 kg carry and a timed kilometre, MTS (other than Havaldar) avoids a physical test.
- If you hold an ITI or apprenticeship, it is a qualifying route for railway Level 1 — though Class 10 alone is too.
- If you want to work in an office, MTS posts are in government offices; railway Level 1 posts are mostly on the track, in yards and in workshops.
Many candidates apply for both. For other Class 10 routes, see government exams after 10th; for the railways' graduate and undergraduate alternatives, see RRB NTPC vs RRB Group D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SSC MTS or RRB Group D better?
Neither is better in general. Both are at Level 1. MTS has a lower age limit and no physical test for most posts; Group D runs to 33 and requires a physical efficiency test.
What is the age limit for SSC MTS and RRB Group D?
SSC MTS is 18 to 25 for most posts (18 to 27 for Havaldar and some MTS posts) as on 1 August 2025. RRB Level 1 is 18 to 33 as on 1 January 2026.
Does SSC MTS have negative marking?
Only in Session II, at one mark per wrong answer. Session I has none. RRB Level 1 deducts one-third of a mark for each wrong answer throughout.
Does RRB Group D have a physical test?
Yes, for every post: men carry 35 kg for 100 metres in 2 minutes and run 1,000 metres in 4 minutes 15 seconds; women carry 20 kg and run 1,000 metres in 5 minutes 40 seconds.
Can I apply for both?
Yes. They are separate recruitments with separate applications and examinations.
In Summary
SSC MTS and RRB Level 1 both lead to Level 1 posts for Class 10 candidates. MTS has a two-session computer-based examination, no physical test except for Havaldar, and an age limit of 25 for most posts. RRB Level 1 has a single CBT with one-third negative marking, a physical efficiency test for everyone, accepts ITI and apprenticeship holders too, and runs to age 33. Your age, fitness and the kind of work you want decide between them.