It is awarded for the highest degree of distinguished service in an operational context, which includes times of war, conflict, or hostilities.

The award is a war-time equivalent of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, which is India's highest peacetime distinguished service decoration.

Lieutenant General A.S. Kalkat was the overall commander of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka.

On its obverse is the State Emblem and the inscriptions "SARVOTTAM YUDH SEVA MEDAL" (in English).

[2] Ribbon: Golden colour with one red vertical stripe in the centre dividing it into two equal parts.