My daughter got IISER Behrampur, but she's preparing for NEET again. What should she do?

Ans: Poulami, B.Tech in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) at NIT Kurukshetra is a promising and future-focused branch, blending core Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) subjects with Computer Science courses like Data Structures, Machine Learning, and Web Development. The program is designed for Industry 4.0, emphasizing automation, AI, and robotics, which are in high demand due to growing investments in semiconductors and smart manufacturing. Although IIoT is a newer branch and the first batch is yet to graduate, placements are expected to align closely with ECE and Electrical Engineering, which have shown 82–88% placement rates in recent years. Major recruiters at NIT Kurukshetra include Amazon, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, TCS, and Honeywell, and the overall campus placement rate is consistently above 80%. Faculty are well-qualified, infrastructure is decent, and the curriculum is industry-relevant, but students should be prepared for rigorous coursework and evolving opportunities. Recommendation: IIoT at NIT Kurukshetra is a good choice if you are interested in the intersection of electronics, computing, and industrial automation, and are looking for strong placement prospects in emerging tech sectors. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: With an SC category rank of 732 in IAT 2025, your chances of securing admission to an IISER are moderate but possible, especially in the newer or less competitive campuses. Recent and official data indicate that IISER Mohali, Tirupati, Behrampur, and Thiruvananthapuram have had SC closing ranks ranging from 650 to 750, and sometimes slightly higher, while top IISERs like Pune and Kolkata typically close below 400. The expected SC cutoff marks for 2025 are 65–75, and your rank falls within the cutoff range for several IISERs, particularly in later counseling rounds. However, competition remains high, and seat availability may fluctuate based on category and campus preference. Recommendation: participate actively in all counseling rounds, prioritize newer IISERs, and keep alternative options ready, as your admission is possible but not guaranteed at every campus. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: IIIT Kota is considered a good choice for Computer Science, with a strong coding culture and a curriculum focused on industry needs. The on-campus recruitment drive for CSE has shown consistent results, with placement rates of 83% in 2023, 76% in 2024, and 92% in 2022. Top recruiters include Amazon, Microsoft, Adobe, Flipkart, Samsung, and Deloitte, offering roles such as software developer and data analyst. Most students secure internships in reputable companies by their third year. While the institute is still developing its infrastructure and faces some challenges in sports and hostel facilities, the placement cell is active and industry connections are growing. Recommendation: IIIT Kota is a solid option for CSE if you prioritize placements and industry exposure, but be aware of ongoing campus development and consider your preferences for campus life and facilities. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Sanghamitra, With an All India Rank of 39,887 and an SC category rank of 2,630 in IAT 2025, your chances for IISER admission are unfortunately very low. Analysis of recent and official cutoffs shows that SC closing ranks for top IISERs like Pune, Kolkata, Mohali, and Bhopal typically range from 234 to 550, and even the newer IISERs rarely exceed an SC closing rank of 900–1,000. Your rank is well beyond these cutoffs, and the expected SC cutoff marks for 2025 are in the range of 65–75, with corresponding ranks for admission generally below 1,000 at all campuses. The number of seats for all IISERs combined is limited (about 2,363), and competition is especially intense for reserved categories, with most seats closing at much lower category ranks. Therefore, recommendation: do not rely on IISER admission this year and actively consider alternative options to avoid losing a year. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: To apply for Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT), you'll need to follow a specific process depending on the program you're interested in. Generally, you'll need to visit the KCT website, register, fill out an application form, upload necessary documents, pay the application fee, and submit the form. For postgraduate courses like M.Tech, MBA, and MCA, KCT admissions are based on entrance exams like TANCET, followed by TANCA counseling.

Ans: MIT-WPU Pune’s Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) program is well-structured, covering core areas like embedded systems, VLSI, IoT, signal processing, and AI/ML, with strong hands-on and project-based learning. The department boasts modern labs, experienced faculty, and industry tie-ups with companies like Texas Instruments, Nvidia, and IBM, supporting student projects and internships. Placement rates for ECE have consistently ranged from 70–80% over the last three years, with top recruiters including Microsoft, Oyo, GitHub, and Wipro. The program integrates mandatory internships, entrepreneurship support, and active student clubs, while alumni have excelled in both industry and research. Students rate the infrastructure, faculty, and campus life highly, though fees are on the higher side. The recommendation is to consider MIT-WPU Pune ECE if you seek a blend of strong technical training, industry exposure, and a proven placement record in electronics and communication domains.

All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: VIT Bhopal

Ans: You Have Taken a Very Important First Step

You have shared your situation honestly.
That itself shows your clarity and courage.
Many people avoid facing these life questions.
But you are thinking about your future early.

That is not weakness. That is strength.
You want to plan better, live with dignity, and stay independent.

Let us now explore how you can move forward.

Emotional Health Is as Important as Financial Health

Feeling lonely is not a personal failure.
This happens to many people, especially in later stages.

But loneliness can affect your health, confidence and energy.
So emotional well-being must also be planned.

Here are some steps to take for emotional stability:

Join community-based senior citizen clubs or men’s support groups.

Volunteer in social or religious organisations nearby.

Spend more time in parks or public libraries.

Attend free local workshops, health camps, or senior hobby circles.

Join digital groups where people share similar life stories.

You can also try to reconnect with old friends or classmates.
If possible, talk to a professional therapist.
You may get clarity and courage to move forward with strength.

Mental peace is your foundation.
Every other area will build better if your mind is clear.

Income Loss Needs Calm Planning, Not Panic

Job loss can feel heavy.
It creates fear about future income and expenses.
But worry will not help. Proper planning will.

Let’s assess your situation with these key questions:

Do you have any emergency savings?

Do you have PF, gratuity, or old investments?

Is your mother financially dependent on you fully?

Are you receiving any rental or pension income?

Do you have any LIC or traditional policies?

If you hold LIC or ULIP or investment-insurance policies,
Those should be reviewed immediately.
Surrendering those and reinvesting in mutual funds may be wise.

A Certified Financial Planner can help analyse that for you.
You need a structure that gives monthly income and liquidity.

Don’t delay this review. You need clarity to act.

Your Mother’s Care Also Needs to Be Protected

You are staying with your mother.
She must be elderly now.
Her health and care will also need some preparation.

Here are some points to check:

Does she have health insurance now?

If not, you must protect her with basic medical fund.

Keep Rs. 1 lakh separately only for her emergencies.

If she is eligible for government schemes, do enrol her.

Also, try to simplify her banking and mobile usage.
Digital tools can help you track and manage her needs.

If possible, keep one trusted neighbour or cousin informed.
That one person can be a backup support if needed.

Don’t carry the whole burden silently.
Even a small circle can be helpful.

Start Thinking of Your Own Medical and Long-Term Needs

Age 52 is the right age to start preparing for old age.
You are not too late. But don’t wait more.

Think about your personal health and mobility:

Do you have any current medical issues?

Are you insured with a good health policy now?

Is your health insurance individual or employer-provided earlier?

If you had employer cover, that will now be inactive.
You need your own health policy as early as possible.

Start with a basic policy, then increase later.
Premiums rise with age. So earlier is better.

Also, start creating a medical emergency fund of Rs. 3 to 5 lakhs.
Keep this in a liquid mutual fund or sweep-in FD.

Health events can come anytime.
With insurance + fund, you are protected.

Thinking About Senior Care Homes and Assisted Living

Your concern about future care is valid.
Being alone during old age can be hard.

Booking a care home now is not necessary.
But understanding options early is smart.

Here’s how to approach it:

Visit senior homes in your city or nearby areas.

Understand their admission process, fees, services and reviews.

Make a short list of 2–3 places that feel reliable.

Keep a folder ready with documents and preferences.

Do not pre-book unless needed.
But do keep your research ready and saved.

Also keep your close relatives or executor informed about your wishes.
Keep a Will and a Letter of Instruction ready for the future.

That gives you peace of mind.
Your future care will be on your terms.

Investing for Monthly Income and Stability

Without a job, you need a reliable source of income.
This can come from mutual fund income plans.

These funds are actively managed and adjust based on market cycles.
They work better than bank FDs or index funds.

Index funds just follow the market blindly.
They don’t protect during down periods.

Actively managed mutual funds, under CFP guidance,
Give better returns with risk protection.

Also, avoid direct mutual fund plans.
Direct plans may seem low-cost.
But you lose expert guidance and timely reviews.

Investing through Certified Financial Planner under regular plan
Gives you goal-based strategies, rebalancing and personal support.

At this stage, regular plan is safer and more useful.
Peace of mind is more important than tiny cost savings.

Start a plan that provides a monthly payout from your capital.
You can choose SWP (systematic withdrawal plan) through mutual funds.
This provides income while your money keeps growing.

Your financial plan must be 360-degree:

Health planning

Emergency buffer

Monthly income

Retirement fund

Estate planning

Don’t look for just one solution.
A full system will keep you secure.

Other Important Steps to Take Now

Create a file of important documents: Aadhaar, PAN, passbook, insurance, medical reports.

Make a nomination for all accounts and investments.

Write a basic Will even if assets are small.

Avoid loans or liabilities unless for emergency.

Cut unnecessary expenses until income stabilises.

If possible, try part-time, freelance or online projects.

You can also teach tuitions, do typing work, or sell skills online.
Any small income brings energy and confidence.
Keep trying different options till something works.

Finally

Your future is still in your hands.
Age 52 is not the end. It is a beginning of the next phase.

You have taken the first step with courage.
Now move ahead step-by-step with planning.

Keep your mind strong, your routine simple and your support circle active.
Financial discipline, medical readiness and emotional peace – these three must be your focus.

Care homes are one part of planning. Not the only part.
Start building your self-care system today.

And get expert help through a Certified Financial Planner.
That will make your journey smoother, structured and peaceful.

You deserve a safe, strong and independent future.
That is 100% possible with proper planning.

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

Ans: Technically no. Since he is not doing well in Economics shows that he has no interest in the subject. It makes sense to change the specialization. Also NMIMS Navi Mumbai may not as good a college for him after the failure, would help to change the environment.