Matrix Questions for SSC MTS

What a Matrix Question Looks Like

You get two 5x5 tables (Matrix I and Matrix II). Matrix I has rows and columns labeled 0 to 4. Matrix II has rows and columns labeled 5 to 9. Each cell contains a letter. A word is given (like CAT or DEAR) and you must find the correct row-column code for each letter from the answer options. For example, the letter D might be at position (1,3) in Matrix I, meaning row 1 column 3.

• Matrix I: rows and columns numbered 0, 1, 2, 3, 4
• Matrix II: rows and columns numbered 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
• Each letter appears multiple times across the grid
• You pick the code that matches one of the answer options given
• The question gives 4 options — each option is a set of codes for all letters in the word
• You eliminate wrong codes letter by letter

Step-by-Step Method to Solve

Do not try to find every possible code for every letter. Instead, use the answer options to guide you. Look at the first letter of the word. Check which code in each option matches that letter in the grid. Eliminate options where the code does not give that letter. Repeat for the second letter, third letter and so on until only one option remains. This is the elimination method and it saves time.

• Step 1: Take the first letter of the given word
• Step 2: For each answer option, go to the matrix and check the cell at that row-column code
• Step 3: If the cell does not show the required letter, cut that option
• Step 4: Move to the next letter and repeat with remaining options
• Step 5: The option that survives all checks is your answer
• Tip: Start with the letter that has the most different codes across options — it eliminates faster

How to Read a Cell in the Matrix

The code is always written as (row, column). So code 23 means row 2, column 3 in Matrix I. Code 67 means row 6, column 7 in Matrix II. Go to that row first, then move to that column. Whatever letter or number sits there is the value of that code. Practice this movement quickly — row first, column second. Think of it like a map: latitude (row) then longitude (column).

• First digit = row number, second digit = column number
• Matrix I uses digits 0-4, Matrix II uses digits 5-9
• Code 00 = row 0, column 0 (top-left of Matrix I)
• Code 55 = row 5, column 5 (top-left of Matrix II)
• Never confuse row and column — always row first

Speed Trick: Use Options as a Shortcut

In SSC MTS, time is tight. Do not find all codes for all letters independently. Instead, treat this like a multiple choice elimination game. Each answer option gives you a complete set of codes. Just verify codes from the options — do not build codes from scratch. Most questions can be cracked in under 60 seconds using this method.

• Never search the whole matrix for a letter — let the options guide you
• If two options share the same code for letter 1, skip that letter and move to letter 2
• Use pencil or mental tick-mark to cross out eliminated options
• Usually by letter 2 or 3, you are left with only one valid option
• Practice on 5-6 sets before the exam to build speed

• Reading the code as (column, row) instead of (row, column) — always row first, column second
• Using Matrix I codes (0-4) to look up in Matrix II (5-9) — check which matrix the digit belongs to before searching
• Trying to find all codes for each letter independently instead of using answer options to eliminate — this wastes time
• Misreading the grid because rows and columns look similar — use your finger or pencil to trace row first, then column
• Rushing and picking the first option where one letter matches without checking the remaining letters

• RC Rule: Row first, Column second. RC = Remote Control — you press Row button first, then Channel (Column) number.
• Matrix I = 0 to 4 (less than 5), Matrix II = 5 to 9 (5 and above). Easy split.
• Think of the matrix like a cricket scoreboard — match (row) number first, then over (column) number.
• Eliminate like a detective: each letter is a clue. Wrong clue? Cut that suspect (option).

• SSC MTS typically gives 1 full set of Matrix questions (2-3 questions) per paper — all based on the same two matrices, so reading the grid once carefully saves repeated effort.
• Difficulty level is easy to moderate. These are scoring questions — target 100 percent accuracy here.
• Time to spend: no more than 45-60 seconds per question. If stuck, guess and move — do not waste time.
• Recent papers show that the word given is usually 3 to 4 letters long. Practice with 4-letter word sets for better preparation.
• Options in SSC MTS Matrix questions are usually well-spread — meaning wrong options have clearly wrong codes, so elimination works very fast in most cases.