Minister of Defence and National Service Hassan Rasheed has said two additional batches of the Maldivian National Service training programme will be conducted this year with the participation of 350 students.

He made the remarks while speaking at the graduation ceremony of the second batch of the National Service Initial Training programme.

The Minister said the Ministry of Defence and National Service would continue efforts to further strengthen and expand the programme as interest among young people continues to grow.

He noted that more than 1,200 young people applied when the programme first opened in May last year, while applications this year have exceeded 1,700.

“Based on the training schedule, two batches of National Service training involving 350 participants will be conducted during the remainder of this year. In addition, vocational training programmes will also be carried out in Kihadhoo,” Hassan Rasheed said.

He also assured that the Government would continue to facilitate opportunities for young people interested in joining the national service programme.

The Maldivian National Service programme was launched in October 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen youth development and build national capacity.