I am BTech in Biotechnology and currently pursuing MTech in Materials Engineering. 10th score is 82%, 12th 72% and BTech 86%. I am working on research and would be done with nearly 5 papers, maybe a patent, also willing to initiate a startup, maybe later. Sir I want PhD from abroad. Sir with this academic background, kindly suggest me where I can take this forward and apply. Kindly also highlight about the financial aids.

Ans: CMA US has its usefulness in India, but it is limited. Mainly useful in compnies like Big 4 or similar firms involved with MNC firms. It will be more useful if he plans to pursue his future education abroad and build his career there.

Ans: Your question seems unclear and odd. Please rephrase it and send it again. Thank you
BEST WISHES.

Ans: We can't say anything about the faculty of the Madras Institute. It is better to visit the campus in person and talk with the students directly, if you wish to opt a course at the said institute. The institute has a good track record of placement.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: First, I appreciate your discipline in investing and reviewing your funds soon after you started. That habit itself is a strong pillar of long-term financial success.

» Understanding your current investment situation
– You invested Rs. 50,000 in an actively managed mid-cap fund (Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund) in July 2025
– You also invested Rs. 50,000 in a flexi-cap equity fund (HDFC Flexicap Fund) at the same time
– The mid-cap fund is currently showing negative returns
– The flexi-cap fund is showing around 4–5 percent return

» Why performance can differ between funds
– Mid-cap funds tend to be more volatile, especially over short periods
– Early investment performance is not a reliable signal of future outcomes in equity funds
– Actively managed funds can differ significantly based on stock picks, sector bets and market cycles
– Equity funds need time (typically 5+ years) to smooth out ups and downs

» What to assess before deciding to continue or switch
– Time horizon: How long can you stay invested? Equity should ideally be for medium to long term (5 years or more)
– Risk appetite: Mid-cap funds swing more than diversified equity funds and need higher risk tolerance
– Fund objectives and style: Does the fund’s approach match your goals and conviction?
– Consistency of performance: Compare returns over multiple periods (1 year, 3 years, 5 years) relative to peers, not just since inception
– Fund manager experience: Long-term funds often benefit from stable and experienced management

» Should you remain invested or switch? (Practical assessment)
– For the mid-cap fund showing negative returns early:

Equity markets can move up and down in the short term. A few months of red should not be the sole reason to exit if your time horizon is 5 years or more.

If your comfort with volatility is low, consider shifting part or all of the amount to a less volatile equity category or balanced equity oriented option.
– For the flexi-cap fund with modest positive return:

Flexi-cap funds dynamically adjust allocation across market caps and help moderate volatility.

If the fund continues to align with your risk and goals, holding it makes sense.
– Do not make decisions based on short-term returns alone. Give equity adequate time to perform.

» Why actively managed funds serve you better in your case
– Market benchmarks (like index funds) simply mirror market movements without risk management choices. In falling phases, index funds have no active decision to protect capital.
– Actively managed funds can take defensive steps when markets weaken, and reallocate to sectors or stocks with better risk-reward prospects.
– For individual investors, this active oversight brings discipline and better behavioral support, especially in turbulent markets.

» How to decide if switching is needed (Step by step)
– Re-evaluate the mid-cap fund’s long-term prospects rather than recent performance
– Compare its performance with similar actively managed mid-cap peers, not the index
– If you find its strategy, risk profile or management lacking, consider a more diversified actively managed equity option suitable for your horizon
– Avoid switching too frequently, as this can erode returns and incur costs

» Final Insights
– Stay invested if your time horizon is 5 years or more and you can accept volatility
– Early red in mid-cap is not a reason by itself to exit, but do assess comfort level
– Actively managed equity funds offer better risk management than passive index approaches
– Periodic review every 12–18 months, not monthly, should guide your decisions

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: CGC University Mohali is an okay fallback option especially if you don’t have many better private college choices

Ans: Hi
To get 98+ percentile, you need roughly:
Score target: 160–180 marks
Correct questions: ~45–50
Accuracy needed: 70–75%
Not 100% syllabus mastery

Ans: Hi
IIIT-Hyderabad conducts a Lateral Entry Entrance Examination (LEEE) for admission into its dual-degree UG programmes (B.Tech + M.S. by Research).
Only students who have completed at least the first two years (4 semesters) of a B.E./B.Tech programme are eligible to apply for LEEE.

There is no mention on the official site of eligibility for students purely with a Diploma (e.g., SBTET-AP Diploma) to take LEEE. In fact, all official documentation focuses on B.Tech students completing 1st/2nd year as the core requirement.

If you still have any doubt please contact IIIT-H directly.

Ans: Hi
What you must do through NIOS:
Take Mathematics (mandatory)
Have Physics + Chemistry + Mathematics
Pass all 3 subjects
Score ≥75% aggregate (or top 20 percentile) (Relaxation for SC/ST/PwD)

Ans: Nagesh Sir, I believe I have already addressed your question. However, please note that it would be advisable for your son to completely dedicate his time to JEE Advanced preparation. Additionally, rather than relying solely on JEE, your son should develop 4-5 backup options by applying for other engineering entrance examinations such as COMEDK, K-CET, Amrita University, VITEEE, and NITTE Meenakshi Academy. With a score of 260 marks, securing admission to top-tier NITs such as NIT Trichy, NIT Surathkal, and NIT Warangal will be challenging. I recommend cross-checking this information against JoSAA's opening and closing ranks from the last 2-3 years. All the BEST for Your Son's Prosperous Future!

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