Army unveils new uniform policy, phases out colonial-era practices

15 JUNE 2026

In a significant move aimed at modernising military traditions and reinforcing an indigenous identity, the Indian Army has introduced revised dress regulations that progressively remove residual colonial-era practices, terminology, and non-essential accoutrements (additional items of clothing or gear)
The new policy, elaborated in the Army Uniforms-2026 Pamphlet, reflects the Army’s effort to align its dress regulations with contemporary Indian values while maintaining the service’s rich traditions and professional standards.
A notable feature of the revised regulations is the introduction of a common Uniform Numbering Scheme for the Army, Navy, and the Air Force.
The initiative is intended to improve clarity, interoperability, and synergy among the three services while simplifying references to various dress categories.
The Army has retained four broad categories of uniforms — Ceremonial Dress, Working Dress, Mess Dress, and Combat Dress.
Among the notable reforms are the inclusion of the traditional Bandi Jacket as part of formal civil attire, removal of the pouch belt from Mess Dress Nos. 5 and 6, making sword carriage by the Reviewing Officer optional, and discontinuing outdated terminology such as “Royal”.
The Army has announced the phased withdrawal of legacy patterns such as Dress No. 3A, which will be discontinued by June 30, 2029.