After 1902 the basis of recruitment for most of the Madras regiments of the Indian Army shifted to the "martial races" of the Punjab and other northern regions.

Under the system of "linked battalions" in force at the time the 63rd shared recruits with any of the other regiments listed, according to individual unit needs.

[1] During World War I the regiment initially remained in India on internal security duties as part of the 5th (Mhow) Division.

In October 1914 the Palamcottah Light Infantry moved to British East Africa as part of the Indian Expeditionary Force B.

The full dress uniform worn in 1910 included a scarlet "zouave"[6] style tunic with emerald green facings and dark blue breeches.