Confused Dad Seeks Advice: Drop Year or Choose Among Upes, BML Munjal, SRM, and Shiv Nadar for CSE?

Ans: Hello Garima
It is not possible for us to provide a comprehensive list of B.Arch colleges spread across India. However, with the mentioned score, your daughter has moderate chances of getting into tier-2 B.Arch colleges.
Best of luck to you.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks.
Radheshyam

Ans: SRM Kattankulathur’s ECE program reports an 80–85% placement rate with 19% of offers in core electronics roles (embedded systems, IoT) and 30% in IT/consulting, supported by partnerships with firms like Qualcomm and Bosch. Its NAAC A++ accreditation and NIRF #101–150 engineering ranking ensure academic rigor, though median salaries hover around ?5.95 LPA for UG programs. Conversely, MIT Manipal’s Mechanical Engineering demonstrates a 77% placement rate (2025) with a median salary of ?9.69 LPA, leveraging its NIRF #57 engineering ranking and industry ties to firms like L&T and Bosch. While SRM provides higher placement assurance, MIT offers stronger institutional credibility and interdisciplinary opportunities in robotics and smart manufacturing. Recommendation: Prioritize SRM ECE for balanced core-tech opportunities and consistent placements, opting for MIT Mechanical if valuing brand reputation and higher median salaries, despite slightly lower core-sector roles. All the BEST for your Son's Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Karnataka’s premier institutions include RV College of Engineering (RVCE) (NIRF #99, 75% placement rate), BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE) (NIRF #151–200, 74% placements), and PES University (NIRF #101–150, 83% placements), all offering robust curricula with industry collaborations in bioprocess engineering and bioinformatics. VIT Vellore (NIRF #11, 90–95% placements) and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore (NIRF #14A, 94% placements) lead in Tamil Nadu, while SASTRA Thanjavur (NIRF #38) and Anna University (NIRF #13) provide strong regional alternatives. Alliance University, Bangalore, distinguishes itself with a 90%+ placement rate and global partnerships. In Telangana, IIT Hyderabad (NIRF #7) and University of Hyderabad (NIRF #4) excel in research-driven programs. For backups, consider MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology (NIRF #75) or Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (90% placements), balancing academic rigor with affordability. Kerala’s Cochin University of Science and Technology (NIRF #54) and Amrita Amritapuri offer niche specializations in marine biotechnology and computational biology, respectively. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Sanidhya, With a JEE Advanced CRL of 18,000 and OBC rank of 4,600, Electrical Engineering at IIT Jammu is marginally attainable based on 2024 closing ranks (OBC cutoff: 3,611–4,300), though likely only in later counselling rounds. Mechanical Engineering at IIT Palakkad (2024 OBC cutoff: 4,625) is a safer bet, given its consistent placement rate of 65–75% in core sectors like automotive and manufacturing. VIT’s CSE (AI/ML) offers 85–90% placement rates in tech roles but lacks the IIT brand’s global recognition and PSU opportunities. While Electrical at IIT Jammu aligns with your academic interest, its 30–40% core placement rate necessitates supplementary coding skills for IT roles, whereas Mechanical at IITs provides stable core-sector careers with interdisciplinary flexibility. Recommendation: Prioritize Electrical at IIT Jammu if secured in later rounds, followed by Mechanical at IIT Palakkad for institutional credibility, and reserve VIT CSE (AI/ML) if prioritizing immediate tech placements over long-term core engineering prospects. Explore ECE at NIT Srinagar (2024 OBC cutoff: 5,500) or IIIT Hyderabad’s ECE (OBC cutoff: 6,200) as backups for balanced hardware-software pathways. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Hello Vishat.
Prefer CSE @ Manipal Jaipur if possible.
Best of luck to you.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks.
Radheshyam

Ans: I understand your intention is from care and foresight. You are thinking long term. Your son too seems financially aware. Let’s look at this from a 360-degree view so both perspectives are respected.

Below is a detailed and structured analysis using a step-by-step approach.

Understanding Your Son’s Present Situation

Your son is 30 years old now.

He is earning Rs.1,00,000 net every month.

He is currently unmarried.

He prefers to stay in a rented home until 45.

He does not want to pay EMIs right now.

You feel EMI now is better than rent till 45.

You want him to buy a house and close EMI by 45.

Assessing the Rent vs EMI Dilemma

Let us look at renting first.

Rent is lower than EMI for same house.

Rent keeps cash flow free for investment.

But rent is an expense, not an asset.

He will never own the house by paying rent.

But rent gives flexibility to move easily.

Now let us look at EMI.

EMI builds ownership slowly.

EMI is higher than rent and long term.

EMI is not flexible if income stops.

House bought early becomes an asset by 45.

Cash Flow Impact Comparison

If he rents, he saves more monthly.

That saving can be invested with discipline.

If he takes a home loan now, big EMI will start.

That will reduce investable surplus.

For next 15 years, majority income will go into EMI.

Rent allows freedom to pursue career changes.

EMI creates a burden if job changes or salary drops.

Liquidity vs Asset Creation

Renting keeps him more liquid and agile.

Buying gives him fixed asset but less liquidity.

Rental lifestyle fits people who may relocate.

EMI fits people with long-term settlement idea.

Young age is best for flexible investing.

Locking money in property early reduces growth chances.

Mutual funds can offer much better returns than house appreciation.

Tax Implication Perspective

Home loan gives interest deduction under Section 24.

Principal part of EMI gets 80C benefit.

But these benefits are capped and not unlimited.

Tax saving should not be main reason to take loan.

Rent also gives tax deduction via HRA if he gets it.

Mutual fund LTCG has new rules now.

Above Rs.1.25 lakh profit is taxed at 12.5%.

Still, long-term MF investment beats property returns.

Real Estate Risks to Consider

Property needs big upfront payment.

Registration, maintenance, tax, brokerage all add up.

Many new projects face delay or fraud.

House needs upkeep, legal checks and physical visits.

Selling property is tough in emergencies.

Rental income is taxable and grows slowly.

Real estate is not passive or smooth.

Many get stuck with low returns or bad properties.

Let Investments Do the Work First

Your son can focus on building portfolio first.

Mutual funds are flexible and managed by experts.

He can invest through SIP every month.

Choose regular funds through Certified Financial Planner.

Direct funds miss guidance and risk control.

Regular funds give support and periodic review.

Professional help aligns investments with life stages.

Index funds should be avoided.

They just copy market and don’t protect during falls.

Actively managed funds adjust as per market.

Better risk-adjusted performance than index funds.

Why Buying Property Early is Not Always Best

If he buys now, he commits Rs.25K to Rs.40K EMI.

That affects investment, travel, career risk, and marriage planning.

Property prices grow slowly and are not liquid.

Staying on rent gives time to explore and grow.

After 40, he can settle where he wants.

That home will then match his actual needs.

Buying now may be emotionally satisfying, but not financially optimal.

Let’s Project an Alternate Path

Let’s assume he saves Rs.35,000 monthly in mutual funds.

Over 15 years, that can become Rs.60 lakh or more.

He can then buy house in full or part-cash.

He will have more choices and peace.

No EMI. No pressure. More freedom.

Marriage, career change, travel—all remain open.

Investments create wealth silently.

House can come later with no regret.

Balance Both Viewpoints with a Middle Path

You are right to think of early ownership.

He is right to think of flexibility and liquidity.

Buying house is not bad, but timing matters.

Let him build strong base first.

Then buy house that suits lifestyle after 40.

Ask him to stay committed to SIPs.

Ask him to review financial goals yearly.

You both want the same thing—security.

But the method can be flexible and thoughtful.

What He Should Avoid at This Stage

Avoid ULIPs or money-back plans.

Avoid real estate as investment now.

Don’t rush into flat booking due to peer pressure.

Avoid direct mutual funds without expert help.

Don’t go for property loans just for tax saving.

Don’t consider annuities or bonds for now.

Don’t invest in crypto, F&O or stock tips.

Action Plan for Him

Start Rs.30,000 to Rs.40,000 SIP monthly.

Use regular mutual funds with Certified Financial Planner.

Split investments for goals like marriage, house, retirement.

Keep emergency fund of 6 months ready.

Buy term insurance of Rs.1 crore.

Get personal health insurance.

Reassess house buying at 40, not now.

Review investment progress once a year.

Let money work hard now, house can wait.

Finally

You are concerned for his security and future.

He values flexibility and growth.

House buying can wait. Investing cannot.

EMI binds the present. SIP builds the future.

A house is not always the best first asset.

First priority is wealth creation, not property.

Let his money grow before taking big liabilities.

He can buy a better house later without stress.

Both of you can be proud of this balanced choice.

Give him room to grow and support him emotionally.

Keep healthy family conversations on finances.

He is walking a thoughtful path. Let him walk it with discipline.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Hello dear
Chances are slim but not impossible.
Best of luck to you.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks.
Radheshyam

Ans: You are already taking strong steps. You have good intent for your daughter and future. Let us now build a 360-degree plan for your goal.

We will break this down into key parts: income, expenses, loan, investments, and goal planning.

Here’s a structured approach to guide you.

Understanding Your Present Situation

You are 41 years old.

You are self-employed and manage a retail store.

You have saved Rs.18 lakh in mutual funds.

You have Rs.4 lakh in PPF.

You have an outstanding home loan of Rs.8 lakh.

Your goal is to save Rs.25 lakh in the next 8 to 10 years.

You want to support your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

Clarifying Your Financial Goals

Rs.25 lakh goal is realistic in 8 to 10 years.

Your intent is to balance child education and marriage support.

This goal can be split into medium-term (education) and long-term (marriage).

This distinction will help you choose the right investment options.

Let’s Address Your Home Loan

You are repaying a home loan of Rs.8 lakh.

Keep paying EMIs regularly.

Don’t rush to close the loan if EMI is affordable.

Interest on home loans has tax benefit under Section 24.

Instead of prepaying loan, it’s better to invest for higher returns.

Use investment for future wealth building, not early loan closure.

Evaluating Your Existing Assets

Rs.18 lakh in mutual funds is appreciable.

Rs.4 lakh in PPF adds stability to your portfolio.

PPF gives tax-free and fixed returns but is less liquid.

Mutual funds give higher growth but fluctuate in short term.

We will refine mutual fund strategy next.

Reviewing Mutual Fund Strategy

You should prefer regular mutual funds over direct funds.

Direct funds may look cheaper, but guidance is missing.

Regular plans through Certified Financial Planner offer direction.

Professional help aligns portfolio with your life goals.

Many self-investors in direct plans miss rebalancing and goal linking.

Stick with diversified mutual funds. Avoid ULIPs or insurance-linked plans.

Avoid investing in index funds.

Index funds only copy the market. They don’t protect in downturn.

Actively managed funds by expert fund managers bring better insights.

Over time, actively managed funds help reduce risk.

Combine multi-cap, large-mid cap, and flexi-cap funds.

SIP mode is best for long-term investing.

How to Reach Rs.25 Lakh in 8 to 10 Years

Let us assume you invest Rs.15,000 monthly in mutual funds.

In 10 years, with moderate return, you may reach around Rs.25 lakh.

Increase SIP every year as your income grows.

Even 5% yearly increase can make a big impact.

Avoid lump sum in one go unless you have idle funds.

Continue disciplined monthly investing.

If SIP is not started yet, begin now through a Certified Financial Planner.

Use STP if you have idle funds in savings or FD.

Split investment into medium-term and long-term goals.

For education (if near), choose low volatility hybrid funds.

For marriage (if more than 7 years away), go for equity mutual funds.

Tax Planning and Cash Flow Management

Ensure income from store is documented well.

File taxes with discipline. Keep business books updated.

Show proper profits to get future bank loans if needed.

PPF is useful for safe tax-free savings.

Invest yearly in PPF till limit of Rs.1.5 lakh.

Use mutual funds for high return part of portfolio.

Diversify across fund houses and categories.

Avoid over-concentration in one fund type.

Education and Marriage Planning

Your daughter’s education may happen earlier than marriage.

So, break Rs.25 lakh into smaller parts.

Allocate 10 to 12 lakh for education.

Allocate rest for marriage or other personal needs.

If daughter gets scholarships or opts out of marriage, you can repurpose funds.

Flexibility in investments helps in such life changes.

Keep nominee updated in all investments.

What to Avoid Going Forward

Avoid mixing insurance and investment.

Do not buy ULIP, endowment or money-back policies.

They have low return and long lock-in.

If you already hold such plans, surrender or make paid-up.

Reinvest surrender amount in mutual funds after careful planning.

Avoid real estate investments.

They are illiquid and come with high transaction costs.

Avoid F&O, intraday, or stock trading.

These destroy capital and distract from long-term goals.

Emergency Fund and Risk Management

Maintain 6 to 9 months of business and home expenses as emergency fund.

Keep it in liquid mutual funds or sweep-in FD.

Buy a term life insurance covering at least 10 times annual income.

It protects your daughter in case of your absence.

Don’t buy any insurance with investment component.

Get health insurance for yourself and family.

If existing cover is small, take top-up policy.

Business Continuity Planning

You run a retail store.

Ensure there is backup plan in case of health issues.

Delegate key tasks to family member or trusted employee.

Create business SOPs for continuity.

Keep personal finances separate from business account.

Track monthly surplus clearly and invest with plan.

Final Insights

You are already on the right track by saving and planning.

Rs.25 lakh goal in 10 years is achievable with discipline.

Use mutual funds with guidance from Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid risky products and distractions.

Focus on step-by-step investing and goal tracking.

Increase SIP yearly to match income growth.

Keep business and personal financial life well-balanced.

Protect your family with right insurance.

Plan for daughter’s education as priority. Marriage can come later.

Be consistent, patient and stay focused on the long term.

Let your investments grow quietly in the background.

Meet your Certified Financial Planner yearly for review.

Let every rupee you earn and save work towards your future vision.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Hello Arunavelan
Future of Mech + AI.ML is very good. The coming era is of AI only. But choose mechanical if you are really interested in it.
Best of luck to you.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks.
Radheshyam