Confused parent: Which CSE program is best for my son - Mahindra, Gitam, or KIIT?

Ans: You have shown maturity in planning ahead even after a job loss.
This mindset will protect your wealth and give peace during transition.
Let’s take your two queries one by one.

Query 1: NRI Status, Bank Accounts, and Demat Conversion
You have returned to India end of April after working abroad for 3 years.
Your bank and demat accounts are now under NRI status.
Now that you are back, here’s how to proceed.

Understanding Residential Status – For Tax and Banking

As per Income Tax Act, your status depends on number of days in India.

If you stay 182 days or more in the financial year, you become a Resident.

Till then, you remain NRI for tax purposes.

But bank compliance is handled differently by RBI rules.

Once you return with intention to stay, you become Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident (RNOR).

Action Plan for Bank Accounts:

Inform your bank about change in residency intention.

Convert NRE and NRO accounts into Resident Savings Account.

Close or redesignate the NRE FD if any.

Interest from NRE FD becomes taxable after status changes.

Convert NRI demat account to Resident demat.

Do this by submitting a declaration, PAN, Aadhaar, etc.

Don’t delay this for 6 months.
Delay causes tax mismatches and compliance issues.

Till then:

You can continue using NRO account for Indian income.

Avoid new NRE deposits.

Query 2: Investment Strategy for Rs. 75 Lakh with SWP in Mind
You want to invest Rs. 75 lakh to generate monthly income.
Current monthly expenses are Rs. 60,000–70,000.
You already have separate buffer of Rs. 5 lakh for short-term use.
That’s a smart cushion to start with.

Let’s build a 360-degree moderate-risk plan.
It should give monthly income and preserve capital.
Also offer inflation-beating growth without high stress.

Create 3 Investment Buckets
Use a bucket strategy.
This divides your corpus into parts with different purposes.
Each part supports the other for smooth cash flow.

Bucket 1 – Short Term (6–12 Months Need): Rs. 10–12 Lakh

Use this for next 12 months of SWP or withdrawals

Use ultra-short-term or low-duration debt mutual funds

Do not invest this in equity or volatile hybrid funds

Withdraw Rs. 60K–70K monthly from this for 1 year

This protects you from market fall in initial year.
Also gives time to slowly build long-term corpus.

Bucket 2 – Medium Term (2–5 Years): Rs. 20–25 Lakh

Invest in hybrid mutual funds with 30–40% equity

Choose balanced advantage or equity savings funds

Begin SWP from this portion after 12–15 months

Gives steady returns with low volatility

This bucket gives monthly cash flow after Bucket 1 is used.
It also rebalances between debt and equity automatically.

Bucket 3 – Long Term (5+ Years): Rs. 38–40 Lakh

Invest in large cap and flexi cap mutual funds

Start STP from liquid fund over next 12 months

Avoid lump sum in equity funds to avoid timing risk

Keep invested for long-term growth

This bucket builds real wealth.
Helps you fight inflation.
Later supports your retirement income after 55–60.

SWP Strategy to Manage Monthly Expenses
How to setup:

Start withdrawing monthly from Bucket 1 immediately

After 1 year, activate SWP from Bucket 2

Withdraw Rs. 60K–70K per month

Increase by 5% yearly to match inflation

After 5–6 years, shift to Bucket 3 for SWP

Why this works better:

Avoids pressure on equity in early years

Gives time to build corpus through growth

Avoids selling when market is down

Gives reliable and regular cash flow

Use only growth option of mutual funds.
Never use dividend option – it is taxed fully.
SWP gives capital gains tax only on redeemed units.

Your Plan to Use Aggressive Hybrid Funds – Need Caution
You mentioned funds with >20% CAGR in 3 years.
This return is short-term and not sustainable.

Disadvantages of choosing high past return funds:

Past performance is not future guarantee

Aggressive hybrid funds can fall like equity in bad years

Risk is higher than needed for income generation

May give you anxiety during withdrawals

Use balanced advantage or equity savings hybrid category.
They adjust asset allocation based on market conditions.
These are more suitable for regular income.

SIP or Lump Sum – Which Is Better Now?
Since markets are uncertain, SIP or STP is better.
This avoids entering market at peak.
Also gives rupee cost averaging benefit.

Recommended method:

Keep Rs. 15–20 lakh in liquid funds

Start STP into equity funds over next 12 months

SIP monthly from this into long-term funds

Avoid lump sum into equity

Hybrid funds can be used partly as lump sum

This avoids regret if market corrects in next 6 months.
Keeps your peace of mind intact.

Use Regular Plans via Certified Financial Planner
You must avoid direct plans.
Though expense ratio is low, the cost of mistakes is higher.

Problems with direct mutual fund plans:

You miss rebalancing support

No help in reviewing fund performance

No tax-saving guidance

No withdrawal strategy built for SWP

Easy to panic in market fall without expert advice

Why use regular plan through Certified Financial Planner:

Strategy matched to your goals

Emotional support during volatility

Tax-efficient SWP planning

Discipline and structure for early retirement

Better fund selection and monitoring

When done wrong, even best fund can fail you.
But when managed well, even average fund can deliver peace.

Additional Suggestions for 360-Degree Safety
Buy health insurance if not already covered by ex-employer

Add top-up policy if existing coverage is low

Make nominations in mutual fund and bank accounts

Prepare a will for succession clarity

Keep Rs. 3–5 lakh always as emergency backup

Avoid risky investments like crypto or unlisted shares

Avoid property investment – not suitable now

Focus on liquid, tax-efficient and inflation-beating assets

Finally
You’ve taken strong first steps after coming back from abroad.
You’ve built a solid cash reserve and want to plan income smartly.
You are also thinking long-term and cautiously.

Avoid investing everything in equity or chasing past returns.
Avoid aggressive hybrid funds just because of 3-year performance.
Use a SWP-friendly hybrid and equity strategy with planned withdrawal path.
Use STP to enter equity funds slowly.
And always keep guidance from a Certified Financial Planner.

This plan can support your lifestyle today and your dreams tomorrow.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: Hello dear.
Prefer SRM if possible. The possibility of getting AI ML with the mentioned score seems to be challenging. Better to go with the management quota for a sure-shot AI ML seat.
Best of luck.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

Ans: You are 48 and already own a house.
You’ve now received Rs. 95 lakh from selling an inherited flat.
You are thinking between real estate, debt funds, and mutual fund SIP + SWP for early retirement.

Your question is thoughtful and timely.
This is a powerful stage to lay your financial foundation.
Let’s assess all aspects in a 360-degree manner.

Understanding Your Current Position
Age: 48

Have a primary house – so no rental burden

Received Rs. 95 lakh from sale of inherited flat

Considering: reinvest in property vs mutual fund vs debt funds

Goal: Early retirement planning + wealth preservation

You have already done well by not rushing into a new property.
You’re evaluating long-term options instead of short-term gains.
That’s a great mindset to build lasting wealth.

Let’s now evaluate your options carefully.

Real Estate: Emotional Comfort, But Financially Weak
Many think of real estate as a safe investment.
But this does not hold well in today’s context.

You already own a house.
So, buying a second property is purely investment-based.

Disadvantages of buying another property:

Low rental yields – mostly 2–3% per year

High maintenance cost and property tax

Poor liquidity – selling can take months or even years

Legal hassles in case of disputes

Depreciation of structure value over time

No flexibility – fixed asset, fixed location

Emotional stress if tenant defaults or property remains vacant

Why you don’t need a second house:

You have no housing need

You have no EMI or tax benefit from new loan

You will lose capital growth opportunities in other assets

So, putting your Rs. 95 lakh again into real estate can block your flexibility.
It will not support early retirement with monthly cash flow.
It won’t beat inflation in a dependable way.

Debt Funds: Good for Stability, Not Enough for Growth
Debt mutual funds are stable and less risky.
But they give lower returns compared to equity.
On average, they return 6–7% before tax.

You can use debt funds for:

Emergency reserves

Medical needs

2–3 year goals

But they cannot be your main vehicle for long-term growth.

New tax rules make debt funds less attractive:

All gains are taxed as per your income slab

Even long-term gains don’t get indexation benefit

Only equity mutual funds enjoy lower tax after 1 year

So debt mutual funds are good for partial use, not for full Rs. 95 lakh.

Mutual Fund SIP + SWP: The Best Strategy for Your Goals
You want early retirement.
You want steady income.
You want to beat inflation.
You also want to protect capital over time.

Only mutual funds with a combination of SIP and SWP can meet all these needs.

Why SIP + SWP combo works best:

SIP creates long-term wealth

SWP gives monthly income from that wealth

You stay invested and enjoy growth

You don’t need to withdraw lump sum

Your capital keeps growing even while you take income

This also protects you from sudden market movements.
You enter gradually and withdraw gradually.

Recommended Strategy for Rs. 95 Lakh Corpus
You are 48 now.
You may want to retire by 55 or earlier.
That gives you 7–10 years of accumulation.
After that, your corpus must support you for 25–30 years.

Let’s divide your Rs. 95 lakh into three buckets.

Bucket 1: Emergency and Short-Term (Rs. 5–7 Lakh)
This covers 6–9 months of expenses.
Also covers medical costs or unexpected needs.

How to invest:

Liquid mutual funds

Ultra-short duration funds

Avoid keeping this in savings account.
It will not even beat inflation.

Bucket 2: Medium-Term Needs (Rs. 20–25 Lakh)
This will be used in the first 5–7 years after you retire.
You must start monthly income from this.

How to invest:

Hybrid mutual funds (balanced advantage, equity savings)

Short-term debt mutual funds

Set up SWP for monthly withdrawal after 5–7 years

Plan tax-efficient redemption strategy

Hybrid funds cushion your income during market fall.
Debt funds give safety for backup income.

Bucket 3: Long-Term Growth (Rs. 60–65 Lakh)
This is your main wealth builder.
You should let it grow for the next 7–10 years.

How to invest:

Large cap and flexi cap mutual funds

SIP or STP from liquid funds over 24 months

Avoid mid and small cap funds at this stage

This portion grows faster than inflation.
And becomes your income engine post 60.

After 60:

Use SWP on this portion too

Withdraw monthly income

Adjust amount by 5% yearly to match inflation

Redeem from long-term units to reduce tax

This method ensures wealth and stability both.

Avoid Index and Direct Funds for Long-Term Goals
Index funds are passive.
They don’t manage risk during fall.
They just follow the market.
That’s dangerous for retirement planning.

Problems with index funds:

No downside protection

Not reviewed by experts

Cannot rebalance based on events

Performance mirrors market drop too

Why actively managed mutual funds work better:

Fund manager adjusts to market conditions

Risk is diversified actively

Asset allocation is monitored

Gives you smoother journey

Also avoid direct plans unless you are highly skilled.
They look cheaper but lack professional support.
Without expert advice, wrong scheme selection is likely.

Invest through Certified Financial Planner using regular plan:

You get handholding

You get emotional support in market fall

Your plan stays goal-focused

You get full tax guidance

Tax Considerations You Must Know
Equity Mutual Funds:

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Debt Mutual Funds:

All gains taxed as per your income slab

Tips:

Use growth option, not dividend

Use tax harvesting to manage gains

Withdraw from long-term units using SWP

Certified Financial Planner can help in building a tax-efficient plan.

Steps You Can Take Right Now
Decide target retirement age

Finalise monthly income needed after retirement

Build emergency fund first

Invest 10–20% in hybrid and debt funds now

Start STP into equity mutual funds

Set clear goals for each portion of the corpus

Review your portfolio every year

Work only with Certified Financial Planner for planning

Other Aspects to Consider for Full Financial Health
Take a term insurance if dependents still exist

Buy a good health insurance policy with super top-up

Make a will for family protection

Add nominations to mutual fund folios

Avoid gifting or lending large money to relatives

Avoid unknown high-return schemes or real estate agents

Keep your money liquid, protected, and purpose-driven.
That is what secures peace of mind in early retirement.

Finally
Your Rs. 95 lakh is a strong foundation.
But the right structure matters more than just the amount.
Don’t put it back into property.
Don’t keep it idle in FDs or debt funds alone.

Use the mutual fund SIP + SWP combo with the right allocation.
Let your wealth grow, and give income.
Let it beat inflation, and remain tax efficient.
Let it support your goals, not bind you to one asset.

With the right guidance from a Certified Financial Planner,
you can retire early and still live well for 30+ years.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: Hello dear.
Not possible for us to provide the list of colleges in Pune right now. But your son has a moderate to slim chance of getting AI ML in tier 1 colleges.
Best of luck.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

Ans: Hello Srijan
Prefer CSE @ DU if possible.
Best of luck.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

Ans: You’ve taken VRS at 58 and received Rs. 70 lakh.
That’s a strong base to start your retirement journey.
Your monthly expenses are Rs. 75,000.
You have no loans or EMIs. That’s a big relief.
The focus now must be to protect your capital and beat inflation.
And most importantly, generate income every month without worry.

You want this income to last at least 20 years.
So you must create a steady, inflation-beating and tax-efficient portfolio.
Let’s now look at your plan from every angle in detail.

Key Financial Facts
Age: 58

Corpus received: Rs. 70 lakh

No EMIs or loans

Monthly expenses: Rs. 75,000

Time horizon: 20 years minimum

Objective: Monthly income + inflation protection + capital safety

Step 1: Create Emergency Fund Buffer
You must not depend on your income plan for every expense.
Some expenses may be urgent or unexpected.
So create a separate emergency fund before you start investing.

Action plan:

Keep Rs. 3–5 lakh in a liquid mutual fund

This covers 4–6 months of expenses

Acts as buffer if markets fall or health issues arise

This gives you peace of mind.
You won’t be forced to break investments in crisis.

Step 2: Understand Monthly Income Requirement
Rs. 75,000 is your monthly expense today.
This may rise every year due to inflation.

So your portfolio must:

Give Rs. 75,000 monthly now

Grow income every year by 5–6%

Last for 20–25 years

Protect capital as much as possible

You can’t leave the money idle in FD or savings.
Returns won’t beat inflation and tax.
You also cannot risk it all in the stock market.
So a balanced approach is needed.

Step 3: Avoid Real Estate, Index Funds, REITs and Annuities
Let’s first remove unsuitable options.

Real Estate:

Not liquid

Maintenance heavy

Rental income not reliable

Not inflation protected

REITs:

Income is market linked

Can be volatile

Capital value not stable

Index Funds:

Track market blindly

No downside protection

Volatility is high

Not suitable for monthly income

Annuities:

Returns are low

No flexibility

Lock your capital

No inflation benefit

These products don’t suit your life stage.
Your income must be regular, tax-efficient and flexible.

Step 4: Allocate Your Rs. 70 Lakh in a Balanced Portfolio
You need to divide this amount carefully.

A proper portfolio will give:

Regular income

Capital protection

Tax efficiency

Growth to beat inflation

Recommended asset allocation:

40% Equity Mutual Funds – Rs. 28 lakh

40% Hybrid Mutual Funds – Rs. 28 lakh

15% Debt Mutual Funds – Rs. 10.5 lakh

5% Liquid Funds / FD (extra buffer) – Rs. 3.5 lakh

Let’s understand each one in detail.

Step 5: Invest 40% in Equity Mutual Funds
This is for long-term growth.
This portion must not be touched for 5 years.
It helps fight inflation over 20 years.

How to invest:

Use large cap and flexi cap mutual funds

Avoid sector, small or mid cap funds

Use SIP or STP to enter slowly over 18–24 months

Stay invested for 10–15 years

This gives better long-term returns than FD or debt.
It protects your purchasing power after 10 years.

Step 6: Invest 40% in Hybrid Mutual Funds
This is your core income generator.
Hybrid funds mix equity and debt smartly.
They give moderate growth with lower volatility.

Benefits:

Monthly withdrawal is possible

Less impact during market fall

More consistent returns than pure equity

Start Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from this portion.
Withdraw Rs. 75,000 every month.
You can also increase withdrawal by 5–6% annually.

This is better than monthly dividend plans.
SWP gives you better tax control and regular income.

Step 7: Invest 15% in Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds offer safety and stability.
You should use short and medium duration funds.
Avoid long-term Gilt or Credit Risk funds.

Benefits:

Less risk

Steady growth

Useful when equity is not performing

Backup for SWP when markets are volatile

Debt funds also help with tax harvesting.
You can redeem them smartly based on need.

Step 8: Keep 5% in Liquid Fund or FD
This is a secondary emergency reserve.
It is not your main buffer.
But acts as protection during market falls.

Use this for:

Big one-time expenses

Family emergencies

Unexpected medical costs

You should refill this when you get bonus or extra income.

Step 9: Plan SWP Carefully for Monthly Income
SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) is better than dividend or annuity.
It gives regular cash flow from mutual funds.

How to set it up:

Start after 6 months of investment

Withdraw Rs. 75,000 monthly from hybrid and debt portion

Adjust amount by 5% yearly for inflation

Review fund value every year

SWP is tax-efficient.
You pay capital gains only on withdrawn amount.
If you withdraw from long-term units, tax is lower.

Step 10: Avoid Direct and Index Mutual Funds
Do not invest in direct mutual funds yourself.
It may look cheaper but lacks advice.
Mistakes in fund selection or timing can hurt your retirement.

Why Direct Plans Are Risky:

No monitoring support

No personalised rebalancing

No emotional guidance during market crash

No tax harvesting advice

Wrong fund choice can destroy corpus

Why Regular Plan via Certified Financial Planner Works Better:

Goal-based planning

Disciplined SWP setup

Periodic review and adjustment

Professional tax and rebalancing strategy

Emotional handholding during panic

Your retirement must be stress-free.
So avoid doing it alone without expert help.

Step 11: Know the Tax Rules Before Withdrawing
Equity Funds:

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Debt Funds:

All gains taxed as per income tax slab

Use growth option in all funds.
Don’t take dividend plans—they are fully taxed.
Withdraw long-term units using SWP to reduce tax.
Use tax harvesting to further optimise gains.

Certified Financial Planner can help you do this.

Step 12: Review Portfolio Annually
Your expenses will grow over time.
So your portfolio must grow too.

Review checklist every year:

Fund performance

Asset allocation

SWP amount

Expense growth

Capital reserve

Rebalance if any one component grows too fast or too slow.
Revisit risk exposure once every 3 years.

Other Suggestions for 360 Degree Financial Safety
Keep nomination updated on all mutual funds and accounts

Prepare a will to ensure peaceful transfer

Avoid new property investment or REIT

Don’t give large loans or gifts to relatives

Avoid unregulated high-return schemes

Teach financial discipline to your family

Set up a power of attorney for emergency support

Build a separate medical emergency fund if needed

Finally
You have Rs. 70 lakh.
You need monthly income of Rs. 75,000.
And you need that income to last for at least 20 years.
You don’t want to run out of money.
You don’t want to fear market volatility.
You also don’t want to see your capital disappear.

The best way to achieve this is:

Build a strong hybrid and equity-based mutual fund portfolio

Avoid risky products like REITs, index funds, and annuities

Use SWP for monthly income with inflation adjustments

Keep debt and liquid funds for safety and backup

Work with a Certified Financial Planner for complete support

This will protect your peace and freedom during retirement.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: You’ve received Rs. 80 lakh from a family settlement. That is a meaningful amount.
At age 41, you are rightly focusing on both your parents and your children.
You have also mentioned your retirement goal at 55.

You are handling responsibilities from both older and younger generations.
This is called the “sandwich phase”.
So, your money must be deployed with clarity and structure.
Let’s now build a 360-degree financial plan that protects your family and builds your future.

Overview of Your Situation
Age: 41

Married with 2 children (daughter and son)

Children’s ages: 12 and 9

Received: Rs. 80 lakh from family settlement

Planning: Rs. 50 lakh for parents’ needs and medical cover

Remaining: Rs. 30 lakh to invest for own goals

Goals: Children’s education, future retirement, property purchase

Retirement goal: Age 55 (14 years to go)

Step 1: Allocate Rs. 50 Lakh for Parents with Safety and Dignity
Parents depend on you emotionally and financially.
So this amount should be risk-free and stable.
Their medical and lifestyle costs must be covered smoothly.

Breakdown Suggestion:

Rs. 40 lakh to be parked in short and medium-duration debt mutual funds

These give better returns than FDs

Safer than equity

Easy to withdraw when needed

Rs. 5–6 lakh in a liquid mutual fund or FD for monthly expense withdrawals

Acts as emergency or buffer

Maintain 6–12 months’ expenses at all times

Rs. 3–4 lakh for standalone senior citizen health insurance

Also consider a top-up policy

Age-based premium may be high, but necessary

Why Not Use Equity for Parents’ Money:

They may need funds anytime

Market risk is high in short term

Equity needs 5+ years to work

Emotional stress is not worth it

Make sure you also make nominations and medical file access ready for them.

Step 2: Start With Clear Planning for the Rs. 30 Lakh
Now let us focus on your own goals.
This Rs. 30 lakh is your seed for wealth creation.
Your goals include:

Children’s higher education

Early retirement at 55

Buying a property (but property investment is not recommended)

Buying property is an emotional choice in India.
But financially, it comes with high cost, low liquidity, and maintenance burden.
Hence, we will not consider property as an investment goal.
Let’s use your Rs. 30 lakh for goals that grow value, not create pressure.

Step 3: Build an Emergency Fund First
Many forget this step, but it is essential.

Suggested action:

Keep Rs. 3–4 lakh in liquid mutual fund or savings-linked FD

This covers household bills, children’s school fees, SIPs, EMI (if any)

This gives confidence to leave long-term funds untouched

Build this first, before doing any other investments.

Step 4: Start a Phased Investment Plan for Your Goals
Do not invest full Rs. 30 lakh in one shot.
Spread it over time through Systematic Transfer Plan (STP).

How to do it:

Park the full Rs. 30 lakh in liquid or ultra-short mutual fund

Transfer Rs. 1–2 lakh per month into equity and hybrid mutual funds

Continue this phased STP for 18–24 months

This reduces market timing risk

Now let’s break this Rs. 30 lakh into goal-based buckets.

Step 5: Allocate Rs. 12–15 Lakh for Children’s Education
Your children will need higher education in 5–10 years.
So you need both growth and safety.

Ideal asset allocation for this goal:

60% in equity mutual funds

Use flexi cap and large cap mutual funds

Avoid small and midcap exposure

30% in hybrid mutual funds

Balances equity with debt

Reduces volatility

10% in debt mutual funds

Gives stability and liquidity

Start investing through regular plans via Certified Financial Planner.

Why Not Direct Plans or Index Funds:

Direct funds give no expert support

Mistakes in scheme selection are common

No rebalancing or personalised strategy

Index funds do not protect during market fall

Active mutual funds adjust portfolio based on market

Children’s future needs consistent and protected growth

Use only regular mutual funds with expert oversight.
Children’s education is a non-negotiable goal.
You cannot afford emotional or wrong investment decisions here.

Step 6: Allocate Rs. 10–12 Lakh for Your Retirement Corpus
You want to retire by age 55.
That gives you only 14 years from now.

You need steady long-term wealth creation with low risk.

Ideal strategy:

70% in equity mutual funds

For growth over the next 10+ years

Large cap and flexi cap funds preferred

30% in hybrid mutual funds

For stability as you get closer to retirement

Helps cushion market volatility

Invest via STP over 24 months.
After that, let the corpus grow for 10 years without touching.
Once you reach 52 or 53, start shifting some funds to debt category.
This protects your corpus just before retirement.

Plan to use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) post-retirement.
This gives monthly income while the corpus continues to grow.

Step 7: Keep Rs. 3–5 Lakh for Medium-Term Lifestyle or Travel Goals
You may want to travel or pursue hobbies in the next 3–5 years.
Use hybrid or short-term debt funds for such goals.
Avoid using equity for this.
Don’t use real estate or REITs.

Step 8: Protect Your Family With Insurance
You didn’t mention if you have insurance.
Let’s ensure this gap is filled.

Health Insurance:

Take Rs. 10 lakh family floater policy

Add super top-up of Rs. 20 lakh or more

Include both children in the policy

Life Insurance:

If your children are financially dependent, take term insurance

Cover = 10 to 15 times of your annual income

Only term plan, not ULIP or money-back

Premium is low if taken early

If you have LIC or ULIP policy, check returns.
If it gives poor returns, consider surrendering and moving funds to mutual funds.
Do this only after taking term insurance separately.

Step 9: Keep Reviewing Your Portfolio Annually
Investing is not a one-time action.
Your portfolio needs review and adjustment.

Review every 12 months:

Check fund performance

Compare actual vs. goal target

Rebalance equity and debt if one grows too fast

Make changes with guidance from Certified Financial Planner

Step 10: Know the Tax Rules and Plan Accordingly
New mutual fund taxation rules apply.

Equity mutual funds:

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Debt mutual funds:

Taxed as per your income slab, both short and long term

What you can do:

Invest in growth option

Avoid dividend plan

Use SWP post-retirement for tax efficiency

Redeem long-term units strategically to reduce taxes

Certified Financial Planner can help you with detailed tax planning.

Other Suggestions for Complete Planning
Keep nomination updated in all investments

Create a will to protect your dependents

Avoid gifting or lending large money without proper thought

Avoid unknown high-return investment schemes

Teach basic money habits to your children gradually

Keep goals separate from each other while investing

Track your goals yearly and adjust if needed

Finally
You are taking the right step by thinking long-term.
Rs. 80 lakh used wisely can support your parents, children, and your retirement.

To summarise:

Set aside Rs. 50 lakh for your parents in safe funds

Use Rs. 3 lakh for emergency

Divide the Rs. 30 lakh for children’s education, retirement, and medium goals

Use phased investments through STP

Avoid direct funds, index funds, REITs, and property investments

Take proper health and term insurance now

Review annually with Certified Financial Planner

Let your investments grow with patience and discipline

This structure gives peace, protection, and progress.
Each family member gets their own secure financial path.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: Hello Abhay
IIIT Delhi seems to be challenging, but DTU or NSUT may be possible.
Best of luck.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear.
Both options are strong. The goals of joining IISER and CSE are different. Decide on your goal and make the decision. Yet to suggest preferring IISER if possible.
Best of luck.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam