Deadline extended for applications to third round of National Service

The deadline to apply for the third round of the Maldives National Service Programme has been extended, the Ministry of Defence announced on Sunday.

Applications for the third round opened on March 9, with the original deadline set for Sunday. The ministry has now extended the deadline to 14:00 on Tuesday.

All Maldivians aged 16 to 28 are eligible to apply for the programme. Applications can be submitted online, or in person at the ministry’s reception during official hours on non‑public‑holiday days.

A total of 350 youths joined the first batch of the National Service Programme, with 346 graduating last December. The second batch, also 350 participants, departed for Maafilaafushi in January.

ދިވެހި ވަޠަނީ ޚިދުމަތުގެ ޕްރޮގްރާމު (މޯލްޑިވްސް ނޭޝަނަލް ސަރވިސް) ގައި ބައިވެރިވުމުގެ މުއްދަތު އިތުރުކުރުން pic.twitter.com/2axuXSUOXG

— Ministry of Defence (@MoDmv) April 5, 2026

The National Service Programme is a key initiative of the President, aimed at strengthening youth through structured training and education. Its objectives include fostering national pride, building resilience, and preparing young people to serve the nation during major threats and disasters.