History

This medal is conferred upon military personnel in recognition of outstanding service during peacetime. It can be awarded posthumously.

Until 1967, this medal was known as the Vishisht Seva Medal, Class III. On January 27, 1967, the class based award system was abolished and the medals were renamed.
The addition of a bar to the ribbon signifies additional awards.

The reverse Hindi inscription reads as "Vishisht Seva Medal".