New Delhi: The Indian Army has introduced revised uniform rules aimed at removing colonial-era practices and unnecessary decorative elements, while retaining the force’s traditions and professional standards.
The updated policy is detailed in a 174-page manual titled “Army Uniforms – 2026”, which replaces the uniform regulations introduced eight years ago.
Among the key changes, the Army will add a traditional bandi jacket as an alternative to the British-style winter attire worn by senior officers, commonly referred to as “3A”. The older outfit will be fully phased out by June 30, 2029.
The new rules also introduce a common numbering system across the Army, Navy and Air Force. The manual reiterates four categories of uniforms in use—ceremonial, duty, mess and combat—and includes reforms such as removing the pouch belt from mess dress numbers 5 and 6, making sword-carrying optional, and discontinuing the use of terms like “Royal”.
In addition, personnel on duty are barred from getting tattoos and from wearing ornaments in the ears or nose. For women officers, the rules allow ankle-length pants and the option of sarees or salwar with a dupatta, while prohibiting the use of a bindi and lipstick.
