Indian Army Revamps Uniform Code: Here's What Has Changed

The biggest visual change is the introduction of the Bandi jacket, a closed-neck coat that officers will now wear over a full-sleeved shirt with formal trousers and closed footwear as part of civil formal dress, replacing older, distinctly colonial silhouettes.

On the symbolic front, the Army has dropped the pouch belt from Mess Dress Nos. 5 and 6, made sword carriage optional for Reviewing Officers, and discontinued the use of the term "Royal" wherever it still featured in regulations.

Sword carriage itself has been reined in. Going forward, swords will be reserved strictly for parade commanders, contingent commanders and designated personnel at major ceremonial occasions—Republic Day, Independence Day and Army Day parades, along with Guards of Honour. Reviewing Officers will no longer carry swords on parade.

Winters are getting an update too. A new Battle Jacket will serve as the standard winter outerwear for all ranks, gradually phasing out the existing jersey-based Dress 3A over a three-year transition window, with full rollout expected by June 2029.

The pamphlet also tightens personal appearance and conduct rules—ruling out radical hairstyles, unauthorised beards, visible gadgets, tattoos, piercings, and cosmetic make-up in uniform, and barring uniformed appearances at political, religious, or protest gatherings, weddings, private functions, and unauthorised media appearances.

Indian Army officials describe the changes as a calculated balance: shedding residual colonial vestiges while holding on to the discipline, dignity and ceremonial weight the uniform has always carried.