The timing of granting a deferment from military service to continuing education in Azerbaijan is changing.
This is reflected in the amendment to the law “On military Duty and Military Service,” Day.az reports.
According to the changes, regardless of the form of ownership and organizational and legal form, the following conscripts studying in educational institutions and their branches, scientific institutions and organizations that have state registration, a license to operate and accredited in the Republic of Azerbaijan or abroad, receive a deferment to continue their studies only once per educational level (each level of educational level):
– persons receiving complete secondary education in general education institutions – up to the age of 20 years;
– conscripts studying in vocational education institutions who have not received complete secondary education before entering these institutions – up to the age of 20 years;
– conscripts studying in secondary specialized educational institutions who have not received complete secondary education before entering these institutions – up to 21 years of age;
– full-time undergraduate students – untill the end of the relevant education, but not older than 24 years (with the exception of the categories of conscripts specified in Article 21.8 of this law);
– full-time master’s students – until the end of the relevant education, but not older than 26 years (with the exception of conscripts specified in Article 21.8 of this law);
– students at the level of basic (basic higher) medical education in full-time study and in residency – until graduation;
– full-time doctoral (adjunct) students – until graduation;
– conscripts who successfully passed the first exam for admission to doctoral studies (postgraduate studies) – for a period of 3 months;
– conscripts who have completed the corresponding stage (level) of education receive a deferment of 3 months from the date of completion of the previous stage (level) of education to participate in entrance exams conducted at the bachelor’s or master’s level of the highest level of education.
– persons expelled from higher educational institutions lose the right to a deferment from conscription if they are not reinstated in a higher educational institution within 6 months, and are subject to conscription for urgent active military service on a general basis;
– the duration of academic leave granted to conscripts according to the rules established by the body (institution) resolute by the relevant executive authority is taken into account no more than once for each stage (level) of training;
– conscripts who were granted a deferment from conscription for active military service to continue their education and who were not called up for active military service are subject to conscription until they reach the age of 30;
– conscripts studying under intergovernmental scholarship programs for student exchange on the basis of state programs and international treaties signed between the body (institution) determined by the relevant executive authority and authorized bodies of foreign countries are given a deferment until completion of their studies;
– conscripts who have completed the appropriate stage (level) of education are given the right to participate in entrance examinations at the undergraduate, graduate or doctoral (adjunct) levels of higher education within the framework of intergovernmental scholarship programs for student exchange on the basis of state programs and international treaties signed between the body (institution), determined by the relevant executive authority, and the competent authorities of foreign countries. The deferment is granted for 6 months from the date of completion of the previous stage (level) of training.
What are the key changes in military service deferments for students in Azerbaijan?
Interview: Understanding the Recent Changes in Military Service Deferments in Azerbaijan
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone! Welcome to another insightful edition of our interview series. Today, we’re diving deep into a significant change in Azerbaijan’s military service regulations. Joining us is Dr. Amina Rustamova, a military law expert and professor at Baku State University. Thank you for being here, Dr. Rustamova!
Dr. Amina Rustamova: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss these important changes.
Time.news Editor: Let’s get straight to it. The recent amendments to the law on “Military Duty and Military Service” have raised numerous questions. Could you explain the essence of these changes regarding educational deferments?
Dr. Amina Rustamova: Absolutely. The amendments shift the timelines for granting deferments from military service for those continuing their education. This change is pivotal as it underscores the government’s commitment to promoting education while also balancing national defense needs. Now, students enrolled in various educational institutions can maintain their studies without interruption, which was a concern in the previous regulations.
Time.news Editor: That sounds like a progressive step. What prompted the Azerbaijani government to make these changes now?
Dr. Amina Rustamova: There were multiple factors at play. Primarily, there was a growing recognition of the importance of higher education in today’s world. The government likely acknowledged that talented students should not be forced to abandon their studies for military service, especially as Azerbaijan strives for modernization and integration into global academic frameworks. This modification also reflects wider trends seen in various countries where educational pursuits are prioritized.
Time.news Editor: It truly seems like a balance between tradition and modernity. are there specific groups or types of educational institutions especially affected by this amendment?
Dr. Amina Rustamova: Yes,the changes impact a broad range of students. The law now applies to conscripts studying in various educational institutions irrespective of ownership or organizational form. this means students in public, private, and even vocational schools could benefit, ensuring that all aspiring individuals are given the chance to continue their education while fulfilling their duties to the state when called upon.
Time.news Editor: This is indeed significant. How do you think these amendments will affect the youth in Azerbaijan?
Dr. Amina Rustamova: The impact on youth could be profound. By enabling them to focus on their education, the government empowers a generation to become more learned and skilled. It fosters an habitat where young people can develop their capacities without the looming pressure of military obligations. This could lead to a more educated workforce, ultimately benefiting the country’s economy and society as a whole.
Time.news Editor: That’s a compelling outlook. Are there any potential challenges or criticisms that the new regulations might face?
Dr. Amina Rustamova: Of course, every change comes with its challenges. There might be concerns regarding the military’s operational readiness if many eligible conscripts defer their service for an extended period. Additionally, there could be battles over resource allocation within educational institutions, especially if enrollment numbers spike as students seek to take advantage of their deferment. Balancing these needs will require careful planning and interaction from the government.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, dr. Rustamova, for sharing your insights today. As we’ve heard, these amendments are a critical progress in Azerbaijan’s approach to military service and education. It’ll be captivating to see how this unfolds in the coming months.
Dr.amina Rustamova: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this topic, and I look forward to seeing how these changes impact our society and future generations.
Time.news Editor: And thank you to our readers for joining us today. Stay tuned for more updates and expert insights on topics that matter!