NEW DELHI, JUN 14 (AGENCIES): The Indian Army has revamped its dress regulations to remove several colonial-era practices, introducing closed-neck bandi jackets for formal occasions, eliminating ceremonial pouch belts from select uniforms, and making it optional for reviewing officers to carry swords during parades.
The changes are detailed in the newly issued 174-page manual, “Army Uniforms-2026”, which replaces the previous edition released eight years ago.
According to the manual, the revisions are aimed at aligning military traditions with India’s evolving sovereign identity while preserving the dignity, functionality and heritage of the Army. The section titled “Indigenisation and Alignment with National Ethos” states that the changes represent a deliberate effort to review and remove residual colonial-era vestiges. Among the major updates is the introduction of a new winter uniform, designated Dress 3B, for all ranks. It comprises an angola shirt, battle jacket and beret.
The regulations also lay down detailed standards on appearance and grooming, covering tattoos, body piercings, hairstyles, moustaches and the use of cosmetics.
For the first time, officers are authorised to wear bandi jackets as part of the formal dress code alongside the bandhgala, lounge suit, combination dress, or a full-sleeve shirt with tie and formal trousers. The manual specifies that the jacket may be worn with or without a neck-hook fastening, must be of a solid, sober colour, and be paired with matching formal trousers and closed footwear. Women officers may wear sober-coloured sarees or kurta-salwar with ankle-length straight pants and a dupatta. Sleeveless kurtas and casual lower garments such as palazzo and cigarette pants are not permitted.
The pouch belt has been removed from Mess Dress No. 5 and No. 6, though it may still be worn with ceremonial dress during regimental or corps functions. It also remains authorised for officers up to the rank of colonel in specific arms and services, including the armoured corps, mechanised infantry, artillery, rifle regiments, Maratha Light Infantry, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, and Corps of Signals.
Dress No. 5 and No. 6 are worn at state functions, formal receptions and events honouring visiting foreign dignitaries. The regulations also remove archaic terms such as “royal”. In the foreword, Adjutant General Lt Gen VPS Kaushik said the manual reflects a considered step towards aligning Army dress regulations with contemporary Indian ethos through the progressive removal of colonial-era practices, accoutrements and terminology.
