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Source- This post on Indian Army Dress Regulations has been created based on the article “No religious markers, make-up or deodorants permitted: What Indian Army dress regulations say” published in “Indian Express” on 6 July 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, the Defence Services Regulations and Army Dress Regulations listed the detailed instructions on clothing and accessories.
About Indian Army Dress Regulations
1. Unauthorized Ornaments: No unauthorized ornaments or emblems are to be worn with the uniform. A signet ring is the only permitted ornament.
2. Concealment of Religious Items: Chains or sacred threads around the neck must be concealed and not visible.
3. Bracelets and Sacred Threads: No bracelets are allowed, except for a single sacred thread on the wrist for pooja days. The ‘Kada’ is permitted only for Sikh personnel and non-Sikh officers commanding Sikh troops.
4. Prohibited Symbols: No tilak, vibhuti, or visible religious symbol is allowed while in uniform.
5. Fragrances: Applying fragrances, such as deodorants and perfumes, is strictly prohibited. However, after-shave lotions are allowed.
6. Watches or watch bands are not allowed due to safety hazards. Brightly-colored watches or bands and pocket watches with visible chains are not permitted.
7. During ceremonial parades, no watches are to be worn except by the senior soldier controlling the parade sequence.
Regulations for Women Personnel
| Prohibited | Permitted |
| Lipstick, colored nail polish, bindis, false eyelashes, eyeliner, kohl, and general facial make-up. | Married female personnel can wear the mangalsutra, but it must be concealed within the uniform. |
| Application of henna on hands is strictly prohibited while in uniform and on duty. | Transparent fingernail varnish and sun-protective facial foundation cream (conservatively applied in field/operation areas). |
| No jewelry except small earrings and engagement/wedding/eternity/signet rings are to be worn. Fancy earrings, nose rings, or ‘press-on’ studs with visible metal stems are not allowed. | Vermillion may be applied on the hair parting but must not be visible when wearing a beret/peak cap. |
| For ceremonial parades, no rings are to be worn. | Nose piercing is allowed, but no nose stud is permitted in uniform. A single stud of neutral color (not exceeding 2.5 mm in diameter) can be worn in a mess dress. |
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