Till 1980, IAF was using a system for writing Annual Confidential Reports which had been introduced in 1953. In view of the growth of the Indian Air Force and far reaching changes in its organizational structures, technology and administrative functions, doubts were expressed about the validity and objectivity of the Annual Confidence Reports. A review of the Appraisal System therefore became essential and this onerous task was assigned to Wg Cdr Sharma.

Wing Commander Shrama, single-handedly, made a deep study of the concepts, philosophy and techniques of appraisal and studied the appraisal systems followed in Government, public sector and private sector as well as in the Air Forces of developed countries. Following an empirical and scientific approach, he interviewed a large number of senior officers in order to identify the areas requiring review and changes. He designed a Survey Questionnaire of 56 questions which was sent out to 265 senior service officers to elicit their views and opinions on various alternatives for different aspects of the system. The detailed analysis of the responses obtained through the questionnaire was carried out in a record time and helped in early drawing of the blue print of the new system. A symposium on Appraisal System was organized at Air HQ wherein the reactions of the Command representatives were ascertained on the blueprint of the new system. Wing Commander now designed the system. It was presented to the Commanders in 1979 and was approved with some minor changes. Before installing the system, the new Appraisal Forms were tried on 600 officers of Junior level and 200 officers of the senior level. The trial results helped in validating the system and improving the final versions of the Appraisal Forms which were introduced from 1980 onwards.

In order to bring in uniformity in standard of assessments, Appraisal Training was made an essential feature of the system. For this, a curriculum for the Appraisal Workshop was designed by Wing Commander Sharma and these are being conducted at Command Headquarters and field units.

Wing Commander Sharma has also organized the Appraisal Cell in the Directorate of Personnel (Officers) and undertook statistical analysis of all reports at various levels. This analysis yielded useful input for follow-up action pertaining to training and development needs of officers

The introduction of the system in entirely due to the untiring efforts of Wing Commander Sharma. For his exemplary service, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Tilak Raj Sharma.