The evaluation criteria for second stage of competition accords a weightage of 30 out of 100 marks for implementation framework including feasibility and cost effectiveness, 20 for result orientation, 16 for citizen consultation for identifying goals, 10 for smartness of solutions, 10 for adoption of SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis for preparation of strategic plan and 5 each for city vision and quality of city profiling including identification of key performance indicators (KPIs), potential for improvement of city and 4 per cent for processes followed. 

Smart City plans will be assessed based on city-level criteria (30 per cent weightage), area based development features (50 per cent) and pan-city solutions (15 per cent). 

Based on the suggestions from states and ULBs, weightage for pan-city solutions has been increased from 10 per cent to 15 per cent. 

Citizen engagement has been made mandatory for identifying smart city objectives and evolving strategic plan under city-level criteria, deciding on area development features and identification of Pan-city Solutions with a total weightage of 16 per cent. 

City-level criteria includes measures taken during the last three years to enhance livability and administrative efficiency of cities, quality of city vision and strategic plan, identification of gaps and KPIs and potential for improvement.