Russia has begun accepting applications for deferments of compulsory military service for IT specialists, according to official channels from the Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation. The ministry announced that IT professionals may apply for a postponement during the fall period through the State Services portal. Applications are open until August 6, and the ministry will forward the collected data to the Ministry of Defense by August 31. The deferment decision will be issued by the commission between October 1 and December 31. [Source: Ministry of Digital Development Telegram channel]
The program is part of a broader framework where qualified IT experts in accredited companies can seek a postponement in the spring and autumn cycles of compulsory military service, with submissions processed via the State Services portal during designated windows. This approach aligns with the government’s efforts to balance the needs of the high‑tech sector with essential national service requirements. [Source: Ministry of Digital Development Telegram channel]
To qualify for a deferment, an IT professional must have worked for an accredited IT company for at least 11 months before the start of the compulsory service period. The applicant must be between 18 and 30 years old, and the employer must hold accreditation as of February 10, 2024. In addition, the specialist should hold a higher education degree in a field listed on the government‑approved roster. [Source: Ministry of Digital Development Telegram channel]
The policy also notes that, starting in 2024, conscription rules adjusted the eligible age range for certain cohorts, with the upper limit extended toward 30. This change reflects ongoing revisions to how age qualifications intersect with service obligations for technical professionals. [Source: Ministry of Digital Development Telegram channel]
Previously, graduates employed by defense industry enterprises were granted the right to defer military service, a provision that has influenced how firms in sensitive sectors manage their staffing and project timelines. The current framework maintains that legacy under certain conditions while expanding opportunities for IT professionals in accredited private and public sector firms. [Source: Ministry of Digital Development Telegram channel]
In summary, the Russian government is actively threading the needle between sustaining a robust information technology ecosystem and fulfilling military service commitments. The fall deferment window, the 11‑month employment requirement, the 18–30 age band, and the accreditation criteria together form a structured path for eligible IT workers to delay service while continuing to contribute to national digital initiatives. Applicants should monitor the official portals for precise deadlines and procedural updates, and organizations should ensure their accreditation status remains current to support eligible employees. [Source: Ministry of Digital Development Telegram channel]