AZE.US
Recent legislative changes in Azerbaijan have sparked discussion about whether young men with university degrees or high university entrance scores will receive advantages during mandatory military service.
The reforms follow a presidential decree launching the April 2026 conscription cycle and broader amendments to the law on military duty. Officials say the updates are part of ongoing efforts to modernize the armed forces after the 2020 war and align military standards more closely with NATO practices.
Lawmakers have indicated that conscripts who scored 600 or higher on university entrance exams, as well as those with higher education degrees, may be assigned to roles that better match their academic background and technical skills. This could include service in units working with advanced technologies, unmanned aerial systems, information and communication technologies, or analytical functions.
However, authorities stress that there is no exemption from service based on education level or exam performance. All eligible male citizens remain subject to mandatory military service under the Constitution. The distinction lies in how their knowledge and skills may be utilized within the armed forces.
The differentiated service period remains unchanged: individuals with higher education serve one year, while those without a university degree serve 18 months.
Parliamentary representatives have also highlighted the increasing demand within the military for specialists in law, cybersecurity, engineering, and information technologies. As the armed forces integrate more advanced systems, officials argue that human capital is becoming as critical as equipment.
In parallel, amendments were discussed concerning contract service for women, including proposals to shorten the initial contract term to six months, with the possibility of extension following evaluation.
Officials frame the reforms as part of a broader strategy to professionalize the military and improve efficiency, particularly amid ongoing regional security challenges.