- The PBSA is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians as a part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conventions organized annually since 2003.
- It is awarded to Non-Resident Indians (NRIS), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) or an organization or institution established and run by the NRIs or PIOs in recognition of their outstanding achievements both in India and abroad.
- The award carries a bilingual Sanad (certificate), a citation, a gold medallion and a miniature of the medallion in the form of a lapel pin.