New admission benefits introduced for conscript soldiers

New benefits will be introduced in Uzbekistan for conscript soldiers seeking admission to higher education institutions. This was announced on April 6 during a meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, on strengthening the country’s defense capacity and supporting military personnel.

It was noted that youth policy remains one of the key priorities of the state, with ongoing reforms aimed at supporting young people in acquiring modern knowledge, professional skills, and employment opportunities.

In particular, during the expanded meeting of the Security Council held on January 13 this year, specific tasks were set to further enhance the prestige of military service and assist young people in finding their rightful place in society.

In particular, during the expanded meeting of the Security Council held on January 13 this year, specific tasks were set to further enhance the prestige of military service and help young people find their place in society.

As a continuation of these reforms, proposals were reviewed to provide conscripts with opportunities for vocational training, access to quality education, and the promotion of reading culture within the armed forces.

Starting from the 2026–2027 academic year, a number of benefits and guarantees will be introduced for young people called up for compulsory military service.

Under the new system, conscript soldiers will be able to enroll in higher education institutions and study remotely while serving. In cooperation with educational institutions, preparatory courses will be organized within military units, and a system will be introduced to prepare soldiers for university entrance exams.

Soldiers admitted to universities on a contract basis will be provided with interest-free preferential loans. Importantly, conscripts admitted to higher education institutions will be granted a status equivalent to students of military faculties and, upon graduation, will receive the military rank of reserve lieutenant.

In addition, a procedure will be introduced to admit soldiers without entrance exams if they have demonstrated exemplary service or achieved first place in national or international sports competitions or academic olympiads.

Another initiative provides for the organization of 3–6 month training courses under the “One soldier – one profession” principle during military service, with participants receiving state-recognized certificates.

Another initiative provides for the organization of 3–6 month training courses under the “One soldier – one profession” principle during military service, with participants receiving state-recognized certificates.

For young people returning from military service who wish to work in the private sector, the costs of vocational training will be covered through vouchers by the State Employment Promotion Fund.

Those seeking employment in government institutions will receive an additional 10 percent bonus score in tests conducted by the Agency for Public Service Development.

The meeting also addressed measures to increase interest in reading among military personnel and to support and encourage such initiatives.

In particular, starting this year, an annual four-stage national reading competition titled “Shield of Spirituality” will be held among all categories of military personnel.

The first stage of the competition will be held in military units and educational institutions, the second at the level of military districts and formations, and the third within ministries and agencies of the Armed Forces. In the final national stage, winners of the previous rounds will compete. Four winners of the final stage will be awarded the grand prize of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief—modern electric vehicles—as well as diplomas. Prize winners will also receive monetary awards and certificates.

The President approved the proposals and signed the relevant decisions, emphasizing that the new measures should contribute to forming a reserve of highly educated, skilled, intellectually capable, and patriotic personnel for the country’s development.

During the meeting, the Minister of Defense also reported on the progress of tasks aimed at strengthening military security and improving the combat readiness of the armed forces.