National Service Obligation
Under the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents, unless exempted1, are required to serve National Service (NS). Following the completion of full-time NS, they will become Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen). An NSman’s obligation will end at the age of 50 years (for Officers) or 40 years (for other ranks).
NS-liable persons are required to register for NS upon reaching 16 1/2 years old and will be scheduled for enlistment at the earliest opportunity upon reaching 18 years old. MINDEF allows students to attain educational qualifications up to the ‘A’ Levels certificate, the polytechnic diploma or an equivalent before they are required to serve NS. They are enlisted at the earliest opportunity when they have finished such courses, or after turning 18 years old, whichever is later. MINDEF does not grant deferment for university studies, regardless of whether such studies have begun. All male applicants are required to access www.cmpb.gov.sg for information on NS deferment, pre-enlistment process and Exit Permit requirements, before proceeding with the application.
For further enquiries, please contact:
Central Manpower Base
Email: contact@ns.sg
Contact no: 1800-3676767 (local) or 65-65676767 (overseas)
1Male applicants who are granted PR status under the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers Scheme or the Investor Scheme are exempted from NS.