High Risk - High Reward Research
The High Risk–High Reward Research scheme, run by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), funds bold and unconventional research proposals that challenge existing scientific understanding and could deliver paradigm-shifting breakthroughs. There is no prescribed budget cap — the grant covers equipment, consumables, travel, and overhead for typically 3 years (up to 5 in exceptional cases). Indian academic researchers can apply online at serbonline.in when calls are notified.
About This Scheme
The High Risk–High Reward Research scheme, run by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), funds bold and unconventional research proposals that challenge existing scientific understanding and could deliver paradigm-shifting breakthroughs. There is no prescribed budget cap — the grant covers equipment, consumables, travel, and overhead for typically 3 years (up to 5 in exceptional cases). Indian academic researchers can apply online at serbonline.in when calls are notified.
Full official description
The Scheme “High Risk - High Reward Research” is implemented by the Science and Engineering Research Board, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India with the aim to support proposals that are conceptually new and risky, and if successful, expected to have a paradigm-shifting influence on the S&T. This may be in terms of formulating a new hypothesis, or scientific breakthroughs which aid in emergence of new technologies.
Nature of Proposals to be Supported:
The scheme is aimed at supporting proposals that are new, challenge existing hypothesis, and provide 'out of box' thinking on important problems. It should contain significant risk elements but promise of high reward if the difficulties could be circumvented. It is expected that the success of such proposals will have far-reaching implications in S&T. Outcome could be new and significant theoretical or experimental advances, formulation of new hypothesis, or breakthrough science which will lead to new technologies. Proposals that address scientific issues which will result in 'incremental' knowledge will not be supported. Ideally, the proposal must contain bold research ideas which will have wide-ranging impact and potential for new scientific and technological innovations.
Duration of Support:
The funding is provided normally for a period of three years. In exceptional cases, the duration can be up to 5 years as assessed by the expert committee.
Benefits
- No upper budget cap — grant size determined by research requirements
- Covers equipment, consumables, travel, contingency, and institutional overhead
- Typically funded for 3 years; up to 5 years in exceptional cases
- Recognition from SERB, one of India's premier government science funding bodies
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an Indian citizen residing in India
- Must hold a regular academic or research position at a recognised institution in India
- Can apply as an individual or as a team (one Principal Investigator must be identified)
- All co-investigators must be registered on the SERB online portal
- Proposals must be genuinely novel, risky, and aimed at paradigm-shifting scientific outcomes — incremental or routine research will not be funded
How to Apply
Step 01: The call for proposals will be notified through the website www.serbonline.in and www.serb.gov.in Step 02: Applicant(s) should first register into the online website. Click here to register Step 03: After log-in, go to Menu --> Proposal Submission --> Form Submission. Select the scheme "High Risk High Reward (HRR)" and Click on the "Start Submission" Button. Step 04: If you have CO-PI in your proposal then it is to be ensured that all the CO-PI are registered in the SERB online portal and have filled all mandatory fields in the "Profile Details" section under "Menu" ->"User Profile" after login. Step 05: Some of the details of your proposal like Project Title (max 500 characters), Project summary (max 3000 characters), Keywords (max 6), Objectives of the project (max 1500 characters), Expected output, and outcome of the proposal (max 1500 characters), Budget (Research Personnel, Consumables, Travel, Equipment, Contingency, Overheads ) have to be entered at the time of proposal submission. Note: The proposals will be evaluated through peer review processes as approved by the Board. Complete guideline for Principal Investigator for SERB-online system
Frequently Asked 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.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Biodata (under user profile section)
- Certificate from Principal Investigator
- Endorsement Letter from the Head of Institution
- If the project is approved for SERB support, the Quotations of the approved equipment need to be uploaded within one month of the date of the Approval Letter.