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Science, IT & Communications

High Risk - High Reward Research

The Scheme for Funding "High Risk - High Reward Research" aims at supporting proposals that are conceptually new & risky, & if successful, expected to have a paradigm-shifting influence on the S&T.

Authority

Central

Region

Central Government

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

- No budget limit is prescribed for this type of project. | - The research grant covers equipment, consumables, contingency and travel apart from overhead grants.

Who can apply

Applicant should be an Indian citizen residing in India.; The applicant(s) must hold a regular academic/research position in a recognized institution.; The proposals can be submitted by an individual or by a team of investigators. Proposals submitted by a team of investigators must identify a Principal Investigator, who will spearhead the research objectives and administer the grant.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

What is the difference between an EMR project and a High Risk High Reward (HRHR) project?

Both EMR and HRHR projects are expected to address important and challenging issues resulting in advancement of scientific knowledge. However, in HRHR projects, the risks associated to address the proposed scientific issues are high, and if it is successfully solved, should result in high reward. This could be in the form of new hypothesis, methodology, process or products, and may have the potential to open up new frontiers in S&T. In other words, proposals resulting in 'incremental knowledge' will not be supported under the HRHR scheme.

Does the Board has any priority areas for funding HRHR projects?

No. The Board funds all areas of Science and Engineering without discriminating any discipline. The proposal will be funded if it is conceptually new, risky and challenge the existing hypothesis and approaches. If successful, it is expected to open up new frontiers in science and technology.

Can I apply for a project under HRHR scheme when I am already implementing another project (such as EMR) in SERB?

Yes. You can apply and implement a HRHR project, in addition any other project being implemented by you in SERB.

I am currently executing an HRHR project in the area of Chemical Sciences. I want to apply for another HRHR project related to Engineering Sciences. Will I be funded another project?

No. Only one HRHR project can be executed at a time.

I want to apply for a HRHR scheme for the first time. What is the maximum amount of the grant the Board will fund?

There is no upper limit (or even lower limit) for a project grant. The budget is decided based on the requirement for its successful implementation. The Investigator should propose a budget which is realistic taking into account the infrastructure and resources available at the implementing institutions.

Are Co-Investigators allowed in HRHR project? If they are from different institutions, can the budget be provided separately to both the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator(s)?

Yes. Co-Investigator(s) are allowed in HRHR project, provided the work proposed require complementary expertise for its implementation. Separate budget can also be provided to the Co-Investigator (s) even if they belong to different institutions.

Is there any specific time-line for applying proposals under this scheme?

SERB is planning to fix time-lines to call for proposals for each scheme. Please look at notifications in websites ( www.serbonline.in and www.serb.gov.in) for information.