Maldives Initiates National Service Program for Low Scoring Students

  • Maldives
PUBLISHED 03 February 2025

The President’s Office has begun administrative preparations for establishing a National Service Coordination Secretariat, which will oversee the implementation of the National Service Program. This initiative, announced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Victory Day last year, aims to draft students with low academic scores into the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Police upon turning 16 years old.


Recruitment for Coordination Secretariat Begins


An announcement has been made seeking staff for the newly established National Service Coordination Secretariat. The office is currently recruiting a Deputy Director and an Assistant Director, who will be responsible for:



  • Conducting administrative tasks under the guidance of the section head.

  • Coordinating with relevant institutions.

  • Preparing and monitoring timelines for the program.

  • Evaluating progress and conducting assessments.


The Deputy Director position offers a monthly salary of MVR 15,918, while the Assistant Director role provides MVR 14,700. Applicants for the Deputy Director post must have Level 5 or 6 certification in a related field, along with 9 years of relevant experience. For the Assistant Director position, a diploma and 6 years of experience are required. The deadline for applications is 1 PM next Sunday, and only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.


Implementation and Objectives of the Program


President Muizzu previously highlighted that annually, 2,000 to 3,000 O’Level graduates are ineligible to pursue A’Levels, and 500 to 1,000 A’Level graduates do not qualify for degree programs. The National Service Program will enroll students who do not continue higher education at age 16, training them before drafting them into MNDF or Police.


According to the President, current laws prevent drafting unemployed youth into national service, leading many towards crime and drug abuse, which burdens the economy and society. He believes that proper military training can help these individuals develop positively, benefiting both them and their families.


Budget Allocation and Future Plans


The 2024 budget has allocated MVR 400 million for the program. President Muizzu previously announced that this amount will be added to the budget annually to ensure the program’s continuity. Over the next four years, he aims to recruit 1,000 new personnel into MNDF each year and a total of 1,000 new recruits into the Police force within his term.


The program is set to commence this year.