President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting on April 6 to discuss measures for strengthening defense capabilities and supporting military personnel. The session focused on implementing a series of benefits for young men undergoing compulsory military service, aimed at enhancing their educational and professional prospects during and after their service.

Starting from the 2026/2027 academic year, conscripts will be granted the opportunity to enroll in higher education institutions and pursue distance learning while serving. Preparatory courses will be organized in military units to facilitate this. Additionally, the State Employment Promotion Fund will cover the costs of vocational training for those returning from service.

Soldiers studying on a contract basis will be eligible for interest-free loans. Those admitted to universities will be equated with students of military departments and, upon graduation, will receive the rank of "reserve lieutenant." Conscripts who distinguish themselves in service, as well as those who win first places in sports competitions and olympiads, will be allowed to enter universities without entrance exams.

Short-term vocational courses of 3–6 months will be organized for conscripts under the principle of "one soldier – one profession," with state-issued certificates awarded upon completion. Young people returning from service will receive a 10% advantage in the form of additional points when applying for civil service positions.

Furthermore, a four-stage republican recitation competition titled "Shield of Spirituality" will be launched among military personnel of all categories, with the four final winners receiving electric cars. The President approved the proposals and signed the corresponding decisions.

Source: kun.uz