Mangaluru – Educational institutions across Karnataka’s coastal belt have started strictly implementing uniform policies for postgraduate (PG) students, expanding rules that were once limited mainly to MBA courses. Now, students enrolled in MA, MSc, MCA, and other PG programs are also required to follow formal dress codes.
Medical and allied health science students are now mandated to wear scrubs—a shift that began post-Covid to maintain hygiene and professionalism. College administrations claim this move aims to promote discipline, professionalism, and help students transition smoothly into corporate or healthcare work cultures.
Initially, formal dress requirements were limited to one or two days a week. However, most institutions have now extended the dress code to up to five days weekly, allowing casual wear only on Saturdays.
Dr. M Vijayakumar, vice-chancellor of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), noted that since PG students are on the verge of entering professional life, early grooming in formal attire helps them meet workplace expectations. Similarly, Vishwanath P, principal of SDM College, Ujire, stated that incorporating blazers, ties, and other professional clothing during college life prepares students mentally and emotionally for office culture.
Interestingly, several colleges adopted uniforms after requests from parents and students. St Agnes College, for instance, first introduced uniforms at the undergraduate level in 2008 and later extended them to PG courses. “Uniforms ensure equality, regardless of a student’s financial background,” said Principal Sr Venessa.
The trend also includes customized T-shirts as uniforms in some institutions.
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