Though the idea was universal conscription, those who did not meet the physical standard or were ill were exempted, and the other exemptions included 'masters of the family,' 'heirs,' 'grandsons to succeed directly from their grandfather' (collectively successors,) 'those who had paid proxy fee (270 yen),' 'officials of central and local governments, students of military schools and public schools,' and 'adopted children living in their foster parents.'
国民皆兵を理念とはしたが、体格が基準に達しない者や病気の者などは除かれ、また制度の当初、「一家の主人たる者」や「家のあとを継ぐ者」、「嗣子並に承祖の孫」（承継者）、「代人料（270円）を支払った者」、「官省府県の役人、兵学寮生徒、官立学校生徒」、「養家に住む養子」は徴兵免除とされた。