Hi, I'm a Master degree holder in AI and ML from VIT, Vellore and currently working as a software engineer at Bengaluru, I'm planning to take one more masters from either Drexel or Temple University in Philadelphia. But I came across some article that OPT Program is gonna be stop by Trump Administration and have to come back after studies. So My question is Will it be a good time to apply for Fall 2025 or should I wait? Can I expect any changes by the time of graduation(2027)?

Ans: Choose BHU

Ans: You may not be eligible for some branches or colleges that require 75%+ in PCM (especially at VIT), but you’re still eligible in many good private/state colleges.

Ans: RVCE > PESIT ≈ MSRIT > Manipal > VIT

Ans: Let’s now re-assess the taxability of the maturity amount from your SBI Life Smart Wealth Builder Policy, assuming the annual premium is Rs 40,000, not Rs 4,000.

? Taxability Depends on Section 10(10D) Conditions

– Life insurance policy maturity proceeds are exempt under Section 10(10D) if conditions are met.

– One main condition: Annual premium must be less than 10% of sum assured (if policy issued after 1-Apr-2012).

– You mentioned annual premium is Rs 40,000. Now check the sum assured in your policy.

– If the sum assured is at least Rs 4,00,000 or more, then 10(10D) exemption applies.

– In that case, entire maturity amount will be tax-free, no tax to be paid.

? When Tax Becomes Applicable

– If the premium exceeds 10% of the sum assured, then 10(10D) exemption is lost.

– The entire maturity amount becomes taxable under "Income from Other Sources".

– However, death benefit is always tax-free.

– Also note: From FY 2023-24, high premium policies (total annual premium above Rs 5 lakh) have additional tax rules.

– But your premium is only Rs 40,000, so these new rules will not apply.

? If 10(10D) Exemption Is Lost, Then

– You have to pay tax on maturity proceeds as per your income slab.

– Only the amount received above the total premiums paid will be treated as taxable.

– For example, if you receive Rs 3 lakh maturity and you paid total Rs 2.4 lakh premiums (over 6 years), then Rs 60,000 is taxable.

– Tax rate will be as per your applicable income tax slab.

? TDS Rules to Remember

– If the maturity amount is taxable, TDS at 5% will be deducted on income portion only.

– If you submit Form 15G/15H (and eligible), you may avoid TDS.

– But still, you will have to show the income in your ITR and pay tax as needed.

? What You Can Do Now

– Check your policy document or online account for exact sum assured.

– If sum assured is 10 times or more of annual premium (Rs 40,000), then you’re safe.

– The maturity amount will be tax-free under Section 10(10D).

– If not, calculate the taxable portion and plan to declare it in your ITR.

– Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner for accurate reporting and reinvestment advice.

? Final Insights

– With Rs 40,000 premium, you’re likely within the tax-free zone if sum assured is Rs 4 lakh or more.

– New taxation rules on insurance do not affect you unless total annual premiums exceed Rs 5 lakh, which they don’t.

– Always keep maturity documents, premium payment proofs and policy details handy at tax filing time.

– For better long-term growth and tax efficiency, consider future investments in mutual funds through MFDs with CFP credential instead of insurance-linked investments.

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

Ans: Prem Sir, (Umeed hai NIT Delhi seat allotment ke baad tumne float option diya hoga). OBC-NCL Home State rank 2,625 hone par NIT Allahabad ki CSE HS quota (Round 5 closing 2,802) aapke liye uplabdh hai, aur ECE (3,859) aur EE (4,534) bhi Round 6 mein pakki choice ho sakte hain.

Recommendation NIT Allahabad mein CSE ke liye Round 6 mein choice lock karo; backup ke taur par ECE ya EE bhi consider kar sakte ho. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Hello dear.
Considering the financial aspect, it is better to prefer VIT AP with zero fee. However, it is highly recommended to visit both campuses, review all the details, and also visit the placement division for more clarity. Once fully satisfied, make the final decision.

Good luck.
Follow me if you receive this reply.
Radheshyam

Ans: IIIT Vadodara’s IT programme, NBA-accredited since 2013, reports a 2024 B.Tech placement rate of 61.4%, with an average package of ?11.34 LPA and median ?9 LPA across 53 recruiters, supported by project-based learning and industry tie-ups. RVCE’s CSE (AI & ML) specialization leverages its 100% CSE placement tradition, achieving a 75% placement rate in 2024 (93% in 2023) and an average CSE package of ?19 LPA through top firms like Microsoft and Cisco, within a vibrant campus culture and active student clubs. BITS Hyderabad’s Electronics & Instrumentation offers 60 seats, practice-school internships, and around 95% placement consistency with an average ?14–15 LPA, backed by NAAC A++ accreditation and cutting-edge digital-manufacturing labs. BITS Pilani’s newly introduced M.Sc. in Semiconductor and Nanoscience, aligned with the India Semiconductor Mission and National Quantum Mission, provides interdisciplinary training in nanofabrication and device physics, strong ISRO/DRDO collaborations, but lacks placement data due to its 2025 launch; prospective dual-degree switches to B.E. are limited to top performers after the first year and are highly competitive.

Recommendation: For immediate IT alignment and strong core outcomes, opt for RVCE CSE (AI & ML); choose IIIT Vadodara IT for balanced placement and academic rigor; pursue BITS Hyderabad E&I if instrumentation and IoT appeal; join BITS Pilani M.Sc. only if committed to research and willing to navigate the competitive dual-degree pathway. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: BSc Computer Science ke baad seedha MTech nahi kar sakti kyunki KIIT me MTech ke liye BTech/B.E. ya First Class MCA/MSc degree hona zaroori hai. BSc ke baad pehle MCA (Lateral Entry) ya M.Sc Computer Science karke phir MTech ke liye apply kar sakti hai.

Ans: Sadhana Madam, Among the four pathways, IIITDM Kancheepuram’s Smart Manufacturing programme stands out for its interdisciplinary curriculum that merges advanced manufacturing processes, Industry 4.0 technologies, IoT, big data analytics, and robotics within a government-funded Institute of National Importance framework, supported by five-month industry internships and modern digital-manufacturing and CPS labs. VNIT Nagpur’s Metallurgical & Materials Engineering, a four-decade-old NIT ranked 39th by NIRF, offers a rigorous core materials-science syllabus, well-equipped failure-analysis and pilot-plant facilities, strong research projects with R&D organisations, and extensive testing and consultancy collaborations. IIIT Trichy’s ECE, under the PPP model and NAAC A+ accreditation, delivers a focused VLSI, embedded-systems, and sensor-networks curriculum with small cohorts and dedicated laboratories, along with fellowship support for overseas research aspirations and integrated national scholarships. Opting to take a drop year to aim for IIT entrance may enhance access to premier institutions but carries considerable opportunity cost and uncertain success without exceptional discipline and coaching.

recommendation Prioritize IIITDM Kancheepuram Smart Manufacturing for its cutting-edge, interdisciplinary design-and-manufacturing focus and robust experiential learning that align with overseas master’s ambitions; consider IIIT Trichy ECE next for its specialized labs and fellowship pathways; choose VNIT Nagpur MME for its deep materials-research ecosystem; avoid dropping a year unless fully prepared for the competitive rigor required to secure an IIT seat. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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