SAMBALPUR: The Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla has introduced a uniform dress code for its first-year undergraduate students for the 2025-26 academic session, while prohibiting use of ‘dupatta’ by girls.
In a notification issued on August 13, the VSSUT authorities said all the first-year students (except postgraduate and PhD scholars) who have taken admission in the academic year 2025-26 are informed that a uniform dress code has been introduced by the university. While male students must wear formal pants and shirts, the female students can opt for either formal pants and shirts or shalwar-kameez with a waistcoat. For safety reasons, no dupatta will be allowed.
The pant and waistcoat material will be of the same fabric. The specified colours are navy blue for pants, shalwar and waistcoats, and sky blue for shirts, matching the samples displayed on the university office notice board. The university has displayed samples of the fabrics on the office notice board and asked students to comply with the dress code with colours by the end of August, stated the notification.
This is for the first time the university has prescribed a dress code for the students. Previously, VSSUT had no dress code, allowing students to choose their attire freely. The university authorities said the new dress code policy is aimed at fostering a sense of community, professionalism and equality among students.
Vice-chancellor Dipak Kumar Sahoo said, “Uniform dress code is a fundamental element of discipline in any institution. Even industrial houses have a dress code to maintain professionalism and discipline. The dress code will give students a unique identity, make them more conscious and responsible, and also ensure their safety in many situations.”
When asked about the decision not to allow dupattas, Sahoo said since girl students have to work in laboratory setups, there is a risk of the cloth getting caught in equipment. This has been implemented purely for practical reasons. “New students will be given around 15 days to arrange their uniforms, after which enforcement measures will be taken in case of non-compliance.”
The students have largely welcomed the move. Several students expressed that having a common dress code would promote unity, curb unnecessary comparisons and encourage a healthier campus environment.