The Indian Army has introduced sweeping changes to its dress regulations, replacing several colonial-era practices with Indian alternatives. The revised rules, detailed in a new 174-page manual titled Army Uniforms-2026, authorise the use of closed-neck bandi jackets in formal settings, remove ceremonial pouch belts from certain dress categories, and make it optional for reviewing officers to carry swords during parades.
According to officials, this is the first comprehensive revision of the Army’s uniform manual in eight years.
The document states that the changes are aimed at aligning military traditions with India’s national identity and ethos while preserving the dignity and heritage of the armed forces.
New Winter Uniform Introduced
As part of the overhaul, the Army has introduced a new winter dress, designated as Dress 3B, for personnel of all ranks. The uniform includes an angola shirt paired with a battle jacket and beret.
The updated regulations also cover grooming and appearance standards, including rules related to tattoos, body piercings, hairstyles, moustaches and cosmetics.
Bandi Jackets Added to Formal Dress Code
For the first time, Army officers have been authorised to wear closed-neck bandi jackets as part of the formal dress code. The jacket may be worn over a full-sleeved shirt and can be designed with or without a neck hook fastening. Only solid, sober colours are permitted, and it must be paired with matching formal trousers and closed footwear.
The bandi jacket joins existing formal attire options such as the bandhgala, lounge suit, combination dress and shirt-and-tie ensemble.
Dress Guidelines for Women Officers
The new regulations allow women officers to wear sober-coloured sarees or kurta-salwar sets with ankle-length straight pants and a dupatta. Sleeveless kurtas and casual lower garments such as palazzos and cigarette pants are not permitted.
Pouch Belts Removed from Formal Mess Dress
The Army has removed pouch belts from Mess Dress No. 5 and No. 6, which are commonly worn at official state functions, ceremonial dinners and formal receptions. However, pouch belts will continue to be authorised with ceremonial uniforms during regimental and corps functions for certain arms and services, including the Armoured Corps, Regiment of Artillery, Mechanised Infantry, Rifle Regiments, Maratha Light Infantry, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, and Corps of Signals.
Colonial Terminology Phased Out
The revised manual also eliminates outdated terms such as “royal” from military terminology. In the foreword, Adjutant General Lt Gen VPS Kaushik said the updated edition reflects a conscious effort to align Army traditions with contemporary Indian values by progressively removing remnants of colonial-era customs and terminology.
Strict Grooming and Appearance Rules
The Army Uniforms-2026 manual reiterates that tattoos and body piercings are prohibited. Personnel are not allowed to wear bracelets while in uniform, except for a single sacred thread on the wrist during a religious ceremony. Religious symbols and markings are generally barred, with specific exemptions for Sikh soldiers.
Moustaches must not exceed 12 cm in length. The regulations also prohibit the use of perfumes and deodorants while in uniform, although after-shave lotions remain permissible.
For women personnel, the guidelines place restrictions on cosmetics. Lipstick, coloured nail polish, bindis and nose pins are not allowed. Sindoor may be worn, provided it remains concealed beneath the beret or peak cap.
The revised regulations form part of the broader indigenisation drive launched by the armed forces in recent years, aimed at reducing colonial influences and promoting Indian traditions, customs and identity within military institutions.
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