The Ministry of Defence has extended the deadline for applications to the third batch of the National Service Initial Training programme, following requests from parents and due to the ongoing holiday period.

According to Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), applications will now be accepted until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 7 April. The programme, which runs for three months, is scheduled to begin in the last week of May and will be conducted at the MNDF Composite Training Centre in Lhaviyani Maafilafushi.

Candidates will be selected through a process comprising interviews, an aptitude test, physical screening and a medical screening. Those selected will receive an allowance from the day they enrol in the programme, with further opportunities for vocational training and employment available upon completion.

Applications can be submitted via email to [email protected] or delivered to the Ministry of Defence during official working hours, as part of efforts to encourage wider youth participation in the national service programme.