A dream of lakhs of aspirants is to crack government exams such as SSC MTS. However, the question that many students always ask is, "Is it possible to pass SSC MTS without an English medium background?" The easy way out is yes. The fact that you learned in a school or college in a different medium does not mean that you cannot succeed in the SSC MTS exam as long as you adopt the correct strategy and are consistent.
Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff Exam (MTS) is held annually by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). It is a competitive examination that is aimed at filling Group C non-gazetted, non-ministerial positions in different ministries and departments of the Government of India.
Now, we will go into detail about how even non-English medium students will be able to crack the SSC MTS exam with ease.
Understanding the SSC MTS Exam Pattern
Before we address strategies and challenges, it is crucial to understand the exam pattern. The SSC MTS exam comprises two sessions in Computer-Based Test (CBT) format:
Session |
Subjects |
Total Questions |
Total Marks |
Session I |
Numerical & Mathematical Ability |
20 |
60 |
Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving |
20 |
60 |
|
Session II |
General Awareness |
25 |
75 |
English Language and Comprehension |
25 |
75 |
Duration: 90 minutes (Total)
Negative Marking: No negative marking in Session I; 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer in Session II.
Read More: How to Master Quantitative Aptitude for SSC CGL 2025?
Is English Medium Necessary to Crack SSC MTS?
Absolutely not. The English language part has 75 marks, and this is only a section of the entire exam. You can:
• Select the question paper in your local language.
• Practice (even self-study) basic English.
• Perform better in other areas such as Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness where language is not a big factor.
A large number of SSC MTS toppers are either rural or Hindi medium or have qualified the exam with the help of SSC MTS books, regular practice, and analysis of past papers.
Overcoming the English Section Barrier
The English section is indeed crucial, but it's not unbeatable. Here's how non-English medium students can manage:
Skill |
Focus Area |
Strategy |
Vocabulary |
Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word Sub. |
Daily reading + vocabulary list |
Grammar |
Tenses, Articles, Prepositions |
Learn rules + apply via practice questions |
Comprehension |
Passage-based questions |
Practice 1 passage daily from SSC books |
Error Spotting |
Sentence structure |
Use examples from SSC PYQ book |
Even 2-3 months of regular practice can help bridge the gap in English comprehension.
Can Hindi medium students crack SSC MTS?
Yes, several of the students who studied in the Hindi medium have not only cracked but also topped SSC MTS exams. SSC allows you to appear in the exam in English and Hindi (or your regional language). What is more, language is not a significant obstacle with special preparation based on the SSC MTS previous year question papers and mock tests.
Is English compulsory in SSC MTS?
English is a paper on Session II of the exam and has 75 marks. But one does not need to be of an English medium background to get good scores. The trick is to keep practicing and to solve questions in the SSC PYQ book so that one becomes familiar with the kind of questions.
How do I prepare for the English section if I studied in a Hindi medium?
Start small. To be familiar with sentence structure, read English newspapers or simple children's books. Then, proceed to resolve grammar questions and reading comprehension of SSC MTS books. Make sure you allow yourself at least 30 minutes a day to practice English.
Can I skip English and focus on other sections?
You cannot even miss out the English section completely, as it has 75 marks. However, in case your English score is moderate, you can make it up with better scores in Maths, Reasoning, and GK.
What if I fail in the English section but do well in other sections?
The SSC MTS examination is performance-based. It does not have any sectional cutoff, so that even when you have a low score in the English section, you can still pass based on a good overall score. Concentrate on getting better by solving the SSC MTS previous year question sets regularly.
Proven Preparation Tips for Non-English Medium Students
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Understand the Syllabus: Study all four sections thoroughly.
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Practice Daily: Especially English and GK, where consistency helps.
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Use Regional Language Wisely: Attempt questions in your preferred language.
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Mock Tests: Attempt mock tests weekly to track performance.
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Analyze Previous Year Papers: Refer to the SSC PYQ book and SSC MTS previous year question sets for question trends.
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Join Online Communities: Engage with other SSC aspirants and learn from their methods.
Advantages of Non-English Medium Students
Non-English medium students do not necessarily lack some hidden advantages, as some people tend to think:
• Clear in Ideas: Usually pay more attention to the comprehension of ideas.
• Improved Retention: Learning in your native language improves retention.
• Adaptability: Capable of adapting to learning styles more quickly.
Realistic Preparation Plan for Non-English Medium Aspirants
Here’s a 3-month study plan tailored for students from regional language backgrounds:
Month |
Focus Areas |
Plan of Action |
Month 1 |
Foundation + Syllabus Coverage |
Build vocabulary, revise concepts, read NCERT basics |
Month 2 |
Practice with SSC Books & PYQs |
Solve questions from SSC books and mock papers |
Month 3 |
Full-length Mock Tests + Revision |
Daily mocks + analysis + focus on weak areas |
Mistakes to Avoid
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Neglecting English: Don’t ignore the English section completely. Even a basic understanding can fetch good marks.
-
Overconfidence in Regional Language: Don't assume that attempting Hindi will automatically boost marks. Practice matters.
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No Revision: Keep revisiting grammar rules and vocab.
-
Issc booksgnoring SSC MTS books: Authentic preparation resources are crucial for direction.
Final Thoughts
Being from a non-English medium background is not a limitation—it’s a different starting point. With the right effort, planning, and use of resources like SSC books, SSC MTS previous year question papers, and mock tests, you can easily clear the exam.
Thousands of candidates from Hindi medium and other regional mediums clear SSC exams each year. All you need is consistency, discipline, and the courage to believe in yourself.
Whether you’re from a Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, or any other medium, your dream of securing a government job through SSC MTS is achievable.
Start today, take one step at a time, and don’t let language be a barrier to your success.