Formal dress code made mandatory for teachers and staff in Bihar

An order has been issued for the strict compliance of a formal dress code for teachers and non-teaching staff across all educational institutions in Bihar. The education department has taken this important decision with the objective of maintaining discipline in schools. Education Minister Mritesh Tiwari stated on Saturday, 31 October, 2026, that it is imperative to have a sense of discipline on school premises.

A letter was issued by Vijay Kumar Pandey, Administrative Director of the Education Department, on 30 October, 2026. This letter instructs all district officers to ensure that staff members attend school in formal attire only during teaching and office hours. In a conversation with PTI, Minister Tiwari clarified that he has asked officials to strictly enforce the formal dress code for teachers and non-teaching staff in all schools and other educational institutions of the state.

Along with the dress code order, the education department has also expressed serious concern regarding the use of DJs during entertainment programs on educational campuses. Minister Tiwari stated that the use of DJs and discos during entertainment activities on the campus is not permitted. Citing the adage 'Vidya Dadati Vinayam' (education imparts humility), he said that a teacher's behavior, conduct, and attire hold great importance for students, as they look up to their teachers as role models.

According to a report by The Hindu, the department had previously also given instructions to ensure dignified conduct and disciplined behavior during activities in schools and other educational institutions. However, reports received from various sources indicate that these instructions are not being strictly followed on a large scale, which is a matter of serious concern. The letter noted that despite previous instructions, complaints have been received that teachers and non-teaching staff come to schools wearing casual clothes like jeans and t-shirts.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the department has also strictly banned organizing 'dance, DJ setups, disco, and other vulgar or low-level programs' in schools. The department has clarified that such activities in educational institutions damage the dignity of the teaching profession and the educational environment. Only programs like dance and music organized in a disciplined and dignified manner on special occasions prescribed according to the academic calendar will be permitted.

Comparing it with judicial dignity, the letter mentioned that to maintain the dignity of the law, a formal dress is mandatory even during contempt proceedings in the Supreme Court in New Delhi and the Patna High Court. In this context, the education department emphasized that teachers and non-teaching staff must also reflect this type of institutional discipline as they work to shape young minds.

School authorities have been directed to make dignified formal attire mandatory for all staff with immediate effect. District education officers have been instructed to continuously monitor the premises and ensure that the instructions are fully complied with. The department has clarified that classrooms are for serious teaching, not for casual hangouts or party grounds.