What is the purpose of High Risk - High Reward Research?

High Risk - High Reward Research is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Science, IT & Communications, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.

Who can apply for High Risk - High Reward Research?

Eligibility for High Risk - High Reward Research may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.

What benefits are offered under High Risk - High Reward Research?

Benefits under High Risk - High Reward Research may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.

Which department manages High Risk - High Reward Research?

High Risk - High Reward Research is managed by Department Of Science & Technology and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.

Can users apply online for High Risk - High Reward Research?

Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for High Risk - High Reward Research through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.

Is Aadhaar mandatory for High Risk - High Reward Research?

Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.

Where can users apply for High Risk - High Reward Research?

Applications for High Risk - High Reward Research may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.

What documents may be required for High Risk - High Reward Research?

Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.

Is High Risk - High Reward Research a central government scheme?

Yes, High Risk - High Reward Research is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.

Can CSC centres help users apply for High Risk - High Reward Research?

Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.

How can users check the latest updates for High Risk - High Reward Research?

Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.

Can beneficiaries track application status for High Risk - High Reward Research?

Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.

Where can users get help for High Risk - High Reward Research in All India?

Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.

Which nearby public services may help with High Risk - High Reward Research applications?

Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.

High Risk - High Reward Research – eligibility, benefits & apply

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Science, IT & Communications

Sub-categories: Research & Development

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: High Risk, High Reward, Research, Project, Research Grant

Details

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

1. No budget limit is prescribed for this type of project. 2. The research grant covers equipment consumables contingency and travel apart from overhead grants

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

Eligibility

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.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

5.9

/ 10

Public Benefit Score

Accessibility 5.0/10 Moderate

Rural usefulness 5.0/10 Moderate

Application complexity 5.0/10 Moderate

Financial impact 5.0/10 Moderate

Literacy barrier 7.0/10 Challenging

Women inclusivity 7.0/10 Good

Awareness 7.5/10 Good

Implementation reliability 8.0/10 Good

Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens

Accessibility5.0
Financial impact5.0
Rural utility5.0
Awareness7.5
Simplicity5.0
Inclusivity7.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The scheme supports innovative research proposals that could lead to significant advancements in science and technology.

Key challenges addressed

Funding for high-risk, high-reward research projects

Most beneficial for

Researchers in science and technology fields
Academic institutions

Likely challenges

Complex application process
High digital dependency

Practical insights for citizens

High-risk projects may not be feasible for all applicants

Rural challenges

Limited internet access
Lack of awareness about the scheme

Digital challenges

High digital dependency for application process

Implementation bottlenecks

Complexity in proposal submission

Awareness challenges

Low awareness among rural researchers

Application analysis

Application mode: Online portal
Documents burden: Low
Verification complexity: Moderate
Office dependency: Low
DBT dependency: No
CSC support: Limited
Estimated citizen effort: High

Estimated beneficiary reach

Rural / urban reach Moderate
Gender reach Moderate
Occupation reach Academics, Researchers

Benefit analysis

Benefit type: Composite
Benefit frequency: One-time grant
Benefit practicality: High, if proposal is accepted
Financial meaningfulness: High, as no budget limit is prescribed
Long-term impact: Potential for significant advancements in science and technology

Plain-language guidance

This scheme provides funding for innovative research projects that are risky but could lead to major breakthroughs. It is open to individual researchers and teams.

Who should apply: Indian citizens with a regular academic or research position.
Who may struggle: First-time applicants, especially those with limited digital skills.
Best application route: Apply through the online portal after registration.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Online

Step 01: The call for proposals will be notified through the website: https://anrfonline.in/ANRF/HomePage and www.serb.gov.in
Step 02: Applicant(s) should first register on 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

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

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.

Official links

References

Official Website: https://prism.serbonline.in/RS-HRHR
Website- India Science, Technology & Innovation: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/funding-opportunities/research-grants/institutional/high-risk-high-reward-research

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of High Risk - High Reward Research?: High Risk - High Reward Research is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Science, IT & Communications, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for High Risk - High Reward Research?: Eligibility for High Risk - High Reward Research may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under High Risk - High Reward Research?: Benefits under High Risk - High Reward Research may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages High Risk - High Reward Research?: High Risk - High Reward Research is managed by Department Of Science & Technology and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for High Risk - High Reward Research?: Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for High Risk - High Reward Research through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for High Risk - High Reward Research?: Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for High Risk - High Reward Research?: Applications for High Risk - High Reward Research may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for High Risk - High Reward Research?: Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is High Risk - High Reward Research a central government scheme?: Yes, High Risk - High Reward Research is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Can CSC centres help users apply for High Risk - High Reward Research?: Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for High Risk - High Reward Research?: Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for High Risk - High Reward Research?: Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for High Risk - High Reward Research in All India?: Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with High Risk - High Reward Research applications?: Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.