Flag Code guide

Indian Flag Code: display the Tiranga with dignity.

A practical summary for homes, offices, schools, and institutions—based on the Flag Code of India and Ministry of Home Affairs guidance.

The essentials

The national flag belongs in a position of honour. The rules are straightforward when approached with respect: use the right proportion, keep it composed, display it distinctly, and retire it privately when it is no longer fit for display.

Proportion

The national flag is rectangular. Its length-to-height (width) ratio is 3:2, whatever the physical size.

Material

The Flag Code permits hand-spun and hand-woven or machine-made cotton, polyester, wool, silk, and khadi bunting.

Position

Give the Tiranga the position of honour and display it distinctly. No other flag should be placed above it.

Condition

Never display a damaged or dishevelled flag. It must not touch the ground, floor, trail in water, or be used as drapery.

Day and night

A member of the public may fly the flag day and night when it is displayed in the open or at a home, with dignity and honour.

Retirement

A damaged flag should be destroyed as a whole in private, preferably by burning or another method consistent with its dignity.

Avoid these uses

The Tiranga is not decoration.

Do not use it as clothing below the waist, a costume, uniform, cushion, handkerchief, napkin, or packaging.
Do not write, letter, or place an inscription on the flag.
Do not dip it in salute to any person or thing.
Do not intentionally display it upside down, with the green band at the top.
Do not use a damaged, soiled, or dishevelled flag.

Read the official material

Always refer to the current Government guidance.

Rules can be amended. Before a formal or unusual display, consult the Ministry of Home Affairs source documents.

Ministry of Home Affairs

Last reviewed against publicly available Ministry of Home Affairs guidance: 1 August 2026.

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Indian Flag Code FAQs

Common questions about displaying the Tiranga.

These answers summarise current public guidance. Consult the Ministry of Home Affairs for the governing text and later amendments.

Ask Tiranga Works

What is the Flag Code of India?

The Flag Code of India brings together the laws, conventions, practices, and instructions governing the display of the Indian national flag by members of the public, private organisations, educational institutions, and government bodies. It should be read with the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.

What is the correct size and ratio of the Indian flag?

The Indian national flag may be made in different physical sizes, but it must be rectangular and maintain a length-to-height ratio of 3:2.

Can the Indian national flag be flown at night?

Yes. Current Ministry of Home Affairs guidance states that when the flag is displayed in the open or at the home of a member of the public, it may be flown day and night. It must always be displayed with dignity and honour.

Can a polyester or machine-made Indian flag be used?

Yes. Following the 2021 amendment, the national flag may be hand-spun and hand-woven or machine-made from cotton, polyester, wool, silk, or khadi bunting.

How should a damaged Indian flag be disposed of?

A damaged or soiled national flag should be destroyed as a whole in private, preferably by burning or by another method that preserves its dignity. Paper flags should not be discarded on the ground after use.

Can the Tiranga touch the ground or be used as decoration?

No. The national flag should not touch the ground or floor, trail in water, or be used as drapery, packaging, or ordinary decoration. It should occupy a position of honour and be distinctly displayed.