Using economic surplus technique, the study estimates ex-post returns to rice research in Bangladesh for the period 1970-92 and ex - ante returns to rice research at BRRI- to be conducted during the period 1996-2000. The estimated results show that during 1970-92, rice research has generated an amount of TK. 12314 million to the society and the marginal internal rate of return (MIRR) to rice research during this period was 252 percent and the benefit cost ratio (BCR) was 35.83. Ex - ante returns to research estimates show that on-going BRRI research(during 1996-2000) would generate 8700 million taka while the estimated MIRR is 160 percent- when the potential benefits are realized for 1,5 vears. The study concludes that T. A man should be the highest priority rice crop followed by Boro and T. Aus and B. Aman in terms of resource allocation at the BRRI during the period 1996-2000.