Established 8 May 1975, with retroactive effect to 26 January 1965, the Samanya Seva Medal is awarded for active service where no other campaign medal is awarded.

Clasps are awarded with the medal designating recognized operations.

[3] The medal is awarded for services rendered with the Armed Forces under active service conditions or conditions akin thereto.

The following categories of personnel serving in an operation or concessional area within the territorial or time limits to be specified separately for each operation will be eligible for the award The medal is circular in shape, made of cupro-nickel, 35mm in diameter with the fitting of standard pattern and has embossed on the obverse the State Emblem with its motto and the inscription SAMANYA SEVA MEDAL, 1965, on either side of the State Emblem along the rim.

The riband is in India dark green colour divided into four equal parts in three vertical stripes each three millimetres in width, of red, dark blue and light blue.