Key Facts
The Indian Army has released a comprehensive 174-page manual titled 'Army Uniforms-2026' that overhauls dress regulations, replacing colonial-era traditions with Indian ethos. The manual, reviewed by Hindustan Times, was last updated eight years ago.
Major Changes in Uniform Code
The new regulations introduce a closed-neck bandi jacket as part of the formal dress code, alongside existing options like bandhgala, lounge suit, or full-sleeve shirt with tie. The bandi jacket can be worn with or without a neck hook fastening and must be of solid, sober colour, paired with matching formal trousers and closed footwear.
Ceremonial pouch belts have been removed from Mess Dress No. 5 and No. 6, though they remain authorised for certain regiments during ceremonial functions. The manual also drops archaic terms such as 'royal'.
New Winter Dress
A new winter uniform called 3B has been introduced for all ranks, comprising an angola shirt, battle jacket, and beret.
Grooming and Appearance Standards
The manual sets strict guidelines: tattoos and body piercings are prohibited; personnel cannot wear bracelets except a sacred thread on pooja days; moustaches must not exceed 12 cm; deodorants and perfumes are banned while in uniform, though after-shave lotions are allowed.
Women Personnel
Women officers may wear sober-coloured sarees or kurta-salwar with ankle-length straight pants and dupatta. Sleeveless kurtas and casual lowers like palazzo or cigarette pants are banned. Cosmetics are heavily restricted: lipstick, coloured nail polish, bindis, and nose pins are prohibited. Sindoor may be applied but must not be visible under the beret or peak cap.
Impact and Significance
Adjutant General Lt Gen VPS Kaushik stated in the foreword that the manual 'reflects a considered step towards aligning the army’s dress regulations with contemporary Indian ethos through the progressive removal of residual colonial-era practices, accoutrements and terminology.' The move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2021 address at the Combined Commanders' Conference in Kevadia, Gujarat, where he urged the armed forces to erase colonial customs.
What Readers Should Know
- The manual applies to all ranks and covers uniforms, grooming, and accessories.
- Occasions for Dress No. 5 and No. 6 include state functions at Rashtrapati Bhavan or Raj Bhavan, and formal receptions at the Prime Minister's residence or service chiefs' homes.
- Religious markings are prohibited except for Sikh soldiers; a single sacred thread is allowed on pooja days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key changes in the Indian Army's new uniform code?
The new code introduces bandi jackets for formal wear, removes pouch belts from Mess Dress No. 5 and 6, drops colonial terms like 'royal', and updates grooming standards including restrictions on tattoos, piercings, and cosmetics.
Are women officers allowed to wear sarees and salwar-kameez?
Yes, women officers can wear sober-coloured sarees, or kurta-salwar with ankle-length straight pants and dupatta. Sleeveless kurtas and casual lowers like palazzo pants are prohibited.
What is the new winter dress called?
The new winter dress for all ranks is called 3B, consisting of an angola shirt, battle jacket, and beret.
Why were these changes made?
The changes reflect a progressive review of colonial-era vestiges to align with contemporary Indian ethos and evolving sovereign identity, as stated in the manual.