Can I switch to PCM after 12th PCB to appear for JEE Main and Advanced in 2026?

Ans: You are 49, with a stable dual-income family, home loan cleared, and some investments in place. You feel stagnated in your job and want to start something of your own. It’s a natural and valid thought at this life stage — but the decision needs to be planned, not impulsive.

At present, your financial base is decent but not fully liquid. You still have about ?45 lakh in liabilities, upcoming education costs for your children, and limited cash reserves. Your wife’s job and rental income can sustain household expenses, but not much beyond that.

The wise move is to continue your job while you explore your business or investment idea part-time. Use the next 18–24 months to:

Clear pending loans, especially the office property.

Build a minimum ?20–25 lakh emergency corpus.

Fund your children’s education separately.

Test and refine your business idea alongside your job.

Before quitting, also discuss openly with your spouse whether she is comfortable with you stepping away from a steady income. Her emotional and financial comfort will determine how smooth your transition is.

In short:
Keep your job, continue your startup or investing interest part-time, strengthen your finances, and plan a structured exit once liabilities are cleared. Freedom feels best when it’s backed by security, not uncertainty.

Contingency buffer and health insurance details:
For detailed financial planning and portfolio reconstruction, please connect with a Qualified Personal Finance Professional (QPFP).

Disclaimer / Guidance:
The above analysis is generic in nature and based on limited data shared. For accurate projections — including inflation, tax implications, pension structure, and education cost escalation — it is strongly advised to consult a qualified QPFP/CFP or Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD). They can help prepare a comprehensive retirement and goal-based cash flow plan tailored to your unique situation.
Financial planning is not only about returns; it’s about ensuring peace of mind and aligning your money with life goals. A professional planner can help you design a safe, efficient, and realistic roadmap toward your ideal retirement.

Best regards,
Naveenn Kummar, BE, MBA, QPFP
Chief Financial Planner | AMFI Registered MFD
https://members.networkfp.com/member/naveenkumarreddy-vadula-chennai