IPS Dress Code: Uniform Rules, Types, Allowances, Guidelines

The IPS Dress Code is an important part of the Indian Police Service. It represents discipline, authority, and national service. Many aspirants and citizens often ask, What is the dress code of an IPS, because the uniform is one of the most visible symbols of policing in India. The rules governing the uniform are officially laid down to maintain uniformity, dignity, and professionalism among officers across the country.

IPS Dress Code Overview

The IPS Dress Code is governed by statutory rules framed by the Government of India. These rules are officially known as the indian police service uniform rules 1954. They apply to all IPS officers serving in states, union territories, and on deputation. The rules clearly define what an officer can wear, when it can be worn, and how it must be maintained. This ensures that the answer to What is the dress code of an IPS remains consistent nationwide.

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Uniform Grants and Allowance

To ensure that every member of the Indian Police Service is properly equipped, the Government provides financial assistance for the initial purchase and periodic maintenance of the uniform. This helps maintain the standard and appearance expected of officers.

1. Initial Grant: ₹6,500 on appointment.
2. Renewal Grant: ₹3,000 at each interval of seven years.
3. Conditions:
   • May be withheld if the officer retires within two years of the due date.
   • For State Police officers joining IPS, the grant may be adjusted based on the previous uniform grant.
4. Alteration of Grant: Central Government may revise the grant in consultation with State Governments.
5. Kit Maintenance Allowance: ₹150 per month provided for uniform upkeep.

Grant for Horse and Saddlery

Some officers of the Indian Police Service are required to maintain horses for ceremonial or operational duties. To support the upkeep of these horses and their equipment, a special grant is provided under these rules.

• Eligibility: Officers maintaining a horse.
• Amount: Up to ₹1,200 every seven years.
• Conditions:
  • Must certify horse maintenance for the past seven years.
  • Grant may be withheld if retirement is within five years.
• Specifications: Horse minimum 14.2 hands in height; hill officers may use ponies.
• Ownership: Officers must ensure the horse and cannot be sold/pledged without permission.

Types of Uniform

The IPS Officer Uniform comprises different types of dress depending on the occasion:

A. Review Order

The Review Order is a formal uniform worn during ceremonial events, state functions, and official parades. Components include:

• Mounted duty: Peak cap, jacket, whistle, lanyard, breeches, field boots (optional), spurs (optional), khaki shirts, blue tie, Sam Browne belt, sword, medals, and decorations.
• Non-mounted duty: Two variants are prescribed:
• • Type A: Peak cap, jacket, slacks, brown ankle boots/shoes, khaki shirt, blue tie, Sam Browne belt, sword, medals, and decorations.
  • Type B: Peak cap, khaki cellular shirt, slacks, khaki socks, shoes, Sam Browne belt, sword, whistle, lanyard, and ribbons.

The exact type to be worn is determined by the Director General/Inspector General of Police of the respective State.

B. Working Dress

The working dress is used for day-to-day official duties. Variants include:

• Type 1–4: Differ in jacket style, shirt, belt, slacks, and footwear. The material may include khaki drill, gabardine, cotton terry, or woollen fabric, depending on weather conditions.
• Flexible designs are allowed, permitting minor modifications for local conditions.

C. Mess Dress

The Mess Dress is formal attire for dinners, official receptions, or when meeting dignitaries:

• Men: Black or white short-buttoned coats with corresponding trousers, miniatures or full-size medals, and black Oxford shoes.
• Women: Cream-colour saree with a red zari border, matching blouse, cream sandals, and medals worn on the left breast.

D. Women Dress

Women officers have specific provisions for IPS Dress Code:

• Working Dress: Khaki pleatless trousers, brown leather Derby shoes, and ankle/field boots with a lower heel.
• Mess Dress: Cream-coloured saree with red zari border, matching blouse, and cream footwear.
• PT Kit: Shorts or white track pants, high-collared T-shirts, and white socks.
• Pregnancy Alternative Dress: Khaki saree and khaki blouse with minor adjustments for comfort.

Cosmetics and ornaments are strictly regulated to maintain uniformity and decorum.

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Badges and Rank Insignia

• Silver metal badges with state emblem and stars; depends on rank and years of service.
• Worn on shoulder straps; embroidered badges allowed for informal duties.

Weapons and Accessories

Before handling any official duties, IPS officers are required to be equipped with standard weapons and accessories. These items ensure readiness, safety, and the proper representation of authority during various police functions.

• Belt: Sam Browne or cloth belt with silver mountings.
• Sword: Infantry pattern with “IPS” device.
• Whistle: Police pattern attached to dark blue lanyard.
• Revolver/Pistol: Brown leather holster; not worn with ceremonial Review Order.

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Government Instructions

These instructions and decisions provide practical guidance on the wearing, maintenance, and use of the IPS uniform, ensuring that officers adhere to the prescribed standards while performing their duties. They also clarify the application of grants, allowances, and ceremonial protocols.

1. Retired IPS officers may wear their last held uniform on ceremonial occasions.
2. Uniform not allowed during non-police re-employment.
3. A working dress can be worn at informal duties; formal meetings benefit from uniform presence.
4. Officers on deputation may wear the deputed force’s uniform, excluding badges/crests, until appointed to IPS.
5. Uniform grants on deputation are handled by the parent State Government.
6. Extra uniform allowance for ex-cadre posts requires Central Government approval.
7. Officers are not required to apply for renewal grants proactively.

Appendix

The IPS Dress Code also includes detailed specifications for badges, buttons, crests, belts, and headgear. Special provisions are made for women officers regarding appearance, ornaments, and maternity-related uniforms. The IPS officer’s uniform for females has dedicated guidelines to ensure comfort, dignity, and professionalism.

Overall, the IPS Dress Code under the indian police service uniform rules 1954 provides a complete framework that balances tradition, authority, and practicality for every IPS officer.

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