The National Order of Merit was founded by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck on 7 November 2008.

It is awarded as reward for distinguished and meritorious services to the state.

It is composed of three classes : The badge of the medal is a medallion with right-profile image of the King, inside an eight-petals stylised flower, itself inside an eight-pointed stylised star, simply hanging from a ribbon.

The whole medal is in gold, silver or bronze, according to the rank.

The ribbon of the medal is dark orange with lighter orange borders