Indian Army drops colonial-era dress traditions, introduces bandi jackets in new uniform code
New Delhi (Raghwendra Pratap Singh) : The Indian Army has revamped its dress regulations to shed colonial-era traditions, authorising closed-neck bandi jackets in formal settings, removing ceremonial pouch belts, and making it optional for reviewing officers to carry swords on parade.
The changes are outlined in a newly issued 174-page manual titled “Army Uniforms-2026”, reviewed by the Hindustan Times. Officials aware of the matter stated on Saturday that such a manual was last issued eight years ago.
As part of the overhaul, the army has introduced a new winter dress called 3B for all ranks. It consists of an angola shirt with a battle jacket and beret.
Apart from uniforms, the regulations cover a wide range of appearance and grooming standards for personnel, from tattoos and body piercings to haircuts, moustaches, and the use of cosmetics.
For the first time, the regulations authorise officers to wear bandi jackets as part of the formal dress code. This is in addition to the bandhgala, lounge suit, combination dress, or a full-sleeve shirt with a tie and formal trousers.
A closed neck coat (bandi jacket) may be worn over a full sleeved shirt. The bandi jacket may be with or without the neck hook fastening (both patterns are authorised) and will be of solid, sober colour only. Matching formal trousers of sober design and formal closed footwear will be worn,” the manual stated.
The regulations permit women officers to wear sober-coloured sarees, or kurta-salwar and ankle-length straight pants with a dupatta. They expressly bar sleeveless kurtas and casual lowers such as palazzo and cigarette pants.
The pouch belt has been removed from Mess Dress No. 5 and No. 6. Unique dress numbers are assigned to each uniform in the military for convenience and ease of reference. Such belts remain authorised for officers up to the rank of colonel in the armoured corps, mechanised infantry, regiment of artillery, rifle regiments, Maratha Light Infantry, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, and Corps of Signals.
Pouch belt will not be worn with Dress No 5 and 6. However, it may be worn with ceremonial dresses during regimental/corps functions,” the manual stated.
The military’s indigenisation drive accelerated five years ago when Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Combined Commanders’ Conference at Kevadia, Gujarat. He directed the armed forces to erase colonial customs and adopt Indian ways in doctrines, procedures, and customs.
