(i) Originality of idea and concept: A unique or novel project idea which attempts to answer a specific question (a hypothesis driven by curiosity to understand any concept related to focal theme). The idea should not be an exact replication of model project as printed in the activity guide. A proper explanation of origin of the idea may be demanded by the evaluator.

(ii) Relevance of the project to the theme: This section focuses on how the project is relevant to the focal theme/sub theme.

(iii) Understanding of the issue: refers to the extent of knowledge the child scientist has in relation to the project idea.

(iv) Data collection: Systematic collection of information using relevant tools/interviews/questionnaire. Sample size should be sufficient to support the issues under study.

(v) Analysis: This includes tabulation, categorization/classification, and simple statistics as applicable to the study

(vi) Experimentation/validation: Conducting of experiments/field study and validation applying simple methods of science. Experiment need not be very sophisticated or lab based, they could be simple, self developed and inexpensive too.

(vii) Interpretation and Problem solving attempt: To what extent the team has addressed the proposed hypothesis and the issue of the locality through the project.

(viii) Team work: It refers to work division, cooperation and sharing among the team members (the child scientists).

(ix) Background correction (Only for district level): In this case one has to verify the background of the children like geographical location of their school, village, town etc. in relation to infrastructure, information and other input related facilities available to them. The logic is that children from difficult geographical situation must get some weightage in comparison to the children from advantageous geographical location. Non-school going children should also get some weightage in this criterion.

(x) Report and Presentation: Written report and oral presentation should be evaluated separately. Reports should be evaluated for its systematic presentation, tabulation of data in support of the project idea and the clarity with which the study is documented and explained.  A log book is mandatory and should be authenticated. The cover page of the log book should carry the names of the child scientists, the district and the state, in English. Marks given for the presentation should cover question and answer with evaluators, presentation of charts/posters, illustrations posters and other visuals.

(xi) Follow up and Action Plan (Only for state and national levels): Has the team conveyed the message to the community? How it was communicated? Are they going to continue involving more people till the problem is solved? Have they suggested any action plan? Marks should be given for similar efforts.

(xii) Improvement from the previous level (Only for state and national levels): This is to encourage the child scientists towards their continuous involvement with the project for its improvement. Improvements on the work from District to State level and then from State to the National level will be given marks separately. Evaluators are supposed to specify the areas of improvement on a separate sheet of paper.

(xiii) Additional page(s): These must be there in the project report with detail description of works of improvement done after the previous level (particularly on the basis of evaluator’s suggestion in the previous level).