Bihar bans jeans and T-shirts for teachers in government schools, formal dress made compulsory

Bihar's education department has issued a fresh directive for teachers and non-teaching staff working in government schools. They will now have to wear formal clothes to school. The directive bans teachers from wearing jeans and T-shirts.

Following the formal dress code during duty hours has been made mandatory. Officials have been asked to enforce the rules and take action against anyone who does not comply. Teachers and staff have also been told to maintain standards of conduct and ensure that a proper atmosphere for study is kept in school.

The same order also warns against holding DJ, disco or other activities considered inappropriate on school premises. The department has made it clear that strict action can be taken over any such event. The ban aims to stop activities that could disrupt the atmosphere for studies.

However, traditional music and musical instruments can continue to be used in schools as before. Programmes linked to the academic calendar can also be held, but under strict discipline and supervision.

The directive follows dress code rules brought in earlier in Bihar's education department. The administration's renewed attention to discipline in government schools has also been cited as a reason. District education officers (DEOs) and school officials will be responsible for enforcing it across the state. They will ensure that employees are following the instructions properly.

This is not the first time the education department has issued such an order on dress code and discipline. In October 2024, the Bihar government issued an order that fixed a dress code for teachers and non-teaching staff of schools. They were also barred from disco dancing and other inappropriate activities on the campus. Similar orders were issued in 2025 and earlier this year. But each order has shown that the education department has found it very difficult to enforce discipline in schools.