The initial exemption conditions of conscription were gradually reduced or abolished and,in 1889, a major revision was made for universal conscription (however, there were special cases, for example, those who volunteered after graduating from secondary school or higher education served for one year and those who became teacher after graduating from school for teacher training served for six weeks.)
創設当初にあった徴兵免除の規定も徐々に縮小・廃止され、1889年に大改正が行われ、ほぼ国民皆兵制となった（ただし、中等学校以上の卒業後に志願したものは現役期間を1年としたり、師範学校を出て教員になったものは現役6週間とするなどの特例があった）。