[1] Instituted on 2 January 1954, the award is given for "distinguished service of a high order", without distinction of race, occupation, position, or sex.

[2] The recipients receive a Sanad, a certificate signed by the President of India and a circular-shaped medallion with no monetary association.

The recommendations are received from all the state and the union territory governments, as well as from Ministries of the Government of India, the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan awardees, the Institutes of Excellence, the Ministers, the Chief Ministers and the Governors of State, and the Members of Parliament including private individuals.

The medal is suspended by a pink riband 1+1⁄4 inches (32 mm) in width with a broad white stripe in the middle.

[3][4] It is ranked fifth in the order of precedence of wearing of medals and decorations of the Indian civilian and military awards.