An assessment of the source potential and reservoir characterization for tight gas exploration in the Subathu Formation shale, Himalayan Foreland Basin, Northwestern India

•The Subathu Formation shales in the Himalayan Foreland Basin (HFB) are analyzed for the source potential and reservoir characterization.•The hydrocarbon source potential varies from poor to excellent.•Most of the generated hydrocarbons (91%–99%) have migrated.•Reservoir characterization shows high clay content (average of 54.5%) in basal part and higher silica content in the middle and top parts of the Subathu Fm.