UPSC Notes

Smart Cities Mission

PYQs

6

Articles

1

Momentum

17

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

SCM is a major government initiative addressing urbanization challenges, sustainable development, and the role of technology in governance. It is relevant for questions on urban planning, infrastructure, public policy, and federalism.

The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) is a flagship urban development program launched by the Government of India in 2015. Its objective is to promote sustainable and inclusive cities that provide core infrastructure, a decent quality of life to their citizens, a clean and sustainable environment, and application of 'Smart' solutions.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Launch Year

2015

Implementing Ministry

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)

Key Feature

Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs)

Evaluation Body

NITI Aayog

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaUrban Development
Conceptual areaGovernment Schemes

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)Implements
Niti AayogEvaluates
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Launched 2015 by MoHUA for 100 cities.
  • Focuses on core infrastructure, quality of life, sustainability, smart solutions.
  • High project completion (97%) and 100% ICCCs.
  • Evaluated by NITI Aayog, aligned with SDGs.
  • Uses Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for implementation.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Urban DevelopmentGovernment Schemes

EVALUATIONS OF MEASURABLE OUTCOMES DELIVERED BY SCM

03 Aug 2026 · SCM is a GoI initiative launched in 2015 to develop sustainable, citizen-friendly smart cities using technology and area-based development, demonstrating high project completion and alignment with SDGs.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 6 linked questions on Smart Cities Mission in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Smart Cities Mission

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

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