Can a government job be taken away due to having a tattoo? Know the whole truth about the strict rules of UPSC, Army and Police recruitment. Can getting a tattoo cost you a government job? Discover the full truth about the strict regulations for UPSC, Army, and police recruitment.

Nowadays, the craze of getting tattoos has increased a lot among the youth, but do you know that a small tattoo on the body can break your dream of a government job? Often candidates are confused as to which departments with tattoos they can apply and where they may face rejection. Prestigious services like Indian Army, Police Force and UPSC have very clear and strict guidelines regarding tattoos. It is very important to understand these rules before proceeding with any recruitment process, so that you do not face any disappointment during document verification or medical test.

Strict rules for tattoos in army and police recruitment

Physical fitness and discipline are considered of paramount importance in the Indian Army and Police Services. According to Army rules, tattoos are valid only on certain specific parts of the body. For example, religious or small tattoos may be permitted on the inner side below the elbow or the back of the palm, provided they are not offensive. If the tattoo is on the face, neck or outside of the arm, it is often considered disqualifying. At the same time, strictness is maintained regarding tattoos in the state police and central paramilitary forces (CAPF). The size of the tattoo, its position, and its message (such as someone’s name or a symbol) are checked by a medical board. If the tattoo is suggestive or has the potential to conceal one’s identity, the candidate may be excluded from the recruitment process.

What is the tattoo policy in UPSC and Civil Services?

The rules for civil services examinations (IAS, IPS, IFS) conducted by UPSC are slightly different from those of the Army. Your intelligence and qualifications are given priority in administrative services, so a small or simple tattoo does not usually affect your candidature. However, if you get selected for IPS (Indian Police Service), you will have to undergo stringent medical standards under police rules. Here also, it matters on which part of the body the tattoo is and what is its nature. If the tattoo is decent and doesn’t convey any wrong message, it shouldn’t hinder your job. Nevertheless, while applying for any government post, the best way is to carefully read the ‘Medical Standards’ given in the official notification of the department regarding tattoo.