Hi Sir, I have got a category obc ncl rank of 3664 in the IISER Aptitude test 2025. What are my chances?

Ans: Sayak, NIT Durgapur in West Bengal offers a four-year B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering with robust labs in VLSI, signal processing and embedded systems, guided by Ph.D. faculty and supported by a dedicated Career Development Centre. Over the last three years, ECE placement rates have ranged from 64.9% to 88.4%, often exceeding 88% in strong years, with average packages around ?17.5 LPA and top recruiters including Microsoft, Amazon and JP Morgan. IIEST Shibpur in Howrah delivers a B.Tech in Information Technology under NIRF-ranked #49, featuring modern computing clusters, AI/ML and cybersecurity labs, with IT placements near 80% over recent years and an average package of ?19 LPA, driven by recruiters like Google, TCS and HSBC Technologies.

Recommendation: Prioritize NIT Durgapur ECE for its higher and more consistent peak placement momentum in a core-electronics stream close to home, but if you seek stronger average IT packages and a broader software-centric curriculum, opt for IIEST Shibpur Information Technology. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Rakesh, 680 out of 1000 in which exam? Which program you are referring? Please clarify. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Namachivayan Sir, IIT Tirupati in Renigunta (Andhra Pradesh) offers B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering with a curriculum blending thermofluids, manufacturing, design and robotics in DST-funded laboratories, guided by predominantly Ph.D.-qualified faculty and supported by project-based learning and research collaborations. Over the 2023–24 placement drive, 41.9% of Mechanical students secured roles with an average package of ?10.95 LPA, while core recruiters such as Microsoft, Amazon and Samsung participate on campus.

Shiv Nadar University Chennai on Old Mahabalipuram Road (Tamil Nadu) delivers B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering with specializations in AI/ML, cybersecurity and IoT, taught by industry-immersed faculty in GPU-enabled HPC clusters and smart classrooms. Its Career Development Center facilitates mock interviews, hackathons and 250+ recruiter engagements, achieving an 85%+ placement rate and a four-year CSE average package of ?12.85 LPA through top firms like Goldman Sachs, Microsoft and Amazon.

Recommendation: Opt for Shiv Nadar University Chennai CSE if you prioritise higher placement consistency, strong industry partnerships and cutting-edge computing specializations, (OR) choose IIT Tirupati Mechanical Engineering for a government institute pedigree, robust core-engineering foundation and growing research infrastructure. My Suggestion: Prefer IIT-T-Mechanical over SNU. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology in Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram offers a B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering (Data Science) with direct ISRO integration, small cohorts in data?science labs, 24×7 library access to 5 000+ e-journals, PhD-qualified faculty, and over 50% campus placements in 2024—including several programmes at 100%—with a highest CTC of ?86 LPA and average ?28 LPA. Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology in Gandhinagar provides a B.Tech in Information & Communication Technology blending CS and ECE, NBA-accredited curricula, a 1 GBps campus network, GPU-enabled HPC clusters, rural and industry internships, and a robust placement cell that secured 390+ offers in 2024 with a highest ?82 LPA and average ?16 LPA.

Recommendation: Opt for IIST Thiruvananthapuram CSE if you seek niche space-tech research opportunities, ISRO absorption chance (NOT a Guarantee as ISRO changes its recruitment policy every year and is subject to some other conditions too, such as branches, minimum CGPA etc.), and cutting-edge data-science mentorship; choose DA-IICT Gandhinagar ICT for its interdisciplinary ICT–computing curriculum, state-of-the-art HPC infrastructure, and broader industry recruiter pool. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Assam University, Silchar, University of Hyderabad (Integrated MTech), BIT Mesra (Off Campus – Deoghar, Patna)

Ans: Nit jamshedpur

Ans: You have taken a responsible step in seeking help. At 41, with no savings yet, it’s not too late. With proper steps, you can build a solid financial base for your family. Let's break it down in a simple, practical and long-term way.
________________________________________
Family and Financial Overview
• Age: 41 years
• Location: Bangalore
• Monthly income: Rs. 66,000
• No current savings
• Married with one daughter (8th Standard, CBSE)
• Corporate health cover for self and wife
• Parents are not yet added to cover
You are starting slightly late, but not too late. Let’s start the process step-by-step.
________________________________________
First Focus – Budget and Cash Flow Planning
This is the first and most important part.
• Track your monthly expenses clearly
• Separate needs and wants every month
• Create a spending limit for each category
• Avoid personal loans and credit card dues
• Make sure there is always surplus every month
Suggested Budget Breakup:
• Household + daily expenses: Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 30,000
• Rent + utilities (if applicable): Rs. 12,000 – Rs. 15,000
• School + child expenses: Rs. 6,000 – Rs. 8,000
• Savings target: Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 12,000
You should aim to save at least 15–20% now and increase later.
________________________________________
Step 1 – Emergency Fund First
Before you invest, build an emergency fund.
• Keep 4 to 5 months’ expenses in hand
• This protects you during job loss or health issues
• Keep Rs. 1.5 to 2 lakhs in liquid fund or sweep-in FD
• Do not invest this money in equity or risky options
• You can build this slowly over 6 months
This gives confidence and reduces stress.
________________________________________
Step 2 – Term Life Insurance is Must
You are the only earning member. So your family depends on your income.
• Take a term insurance of Rs. 50 lakhs to start
• Premium will be very low if taken early
• This is pure insurance. No returns.
• Do not buy any ULIP or money-back plans
• Increase cover in future when income grows
Term plan ensures your family is protected.
________________________________________
Step 3 – Health Insurance Beyond Corporate Cover
Corporate health cover is not enough.
• You should have one personal health policy
• Cover for you, wife and daughter
• Minimum Rs. 5 lakhs coverage
• If your parents are senior citizens, get separate policy for them
• Do not mix all members in one floater plan
You can’t depend only on company cover. It may go if job changes.
________________________________________
Step 4 – Start SIP for Long-Term Wealth
You must now begin SIP for wealth building.
• Start with Rs. 5,000–7,000 per month
• Increase slowly every year
• Invest in 2–3 well-diversified actively managed mutual funds
• Avoid index funds. They don’t beat market returns
• Don’t go for direct funds. Regular plan via MFD with CFP is better
Your SIP can be split like this:
• 50% in flexi-cap or large-cap fund
• 30% in mid-cap or multi-cap fund
• 20% in hybrid or conservative equity fund
This will help you build wealth for retirement and child’s future.
________________________________________
Step 5 – Plan for Daughter’s Education
Your daughter is now in class 8.
In next 4–5 years, she will need money for higher studies.
• Set a clear goal for education cost
• Start a separate SIP for this purpose
• If you can set aside Rs. 3,000–5,000 monthly, it will help
• Keep this money only for her education
• Don’t use it for other needs
You can also invest yearly bonus or incentives into this fund.
________________________________________
Step 6 – Retirement Planning
At 41, you still have about 18–20 working years.
• Use NPS to build retirement fund
• Also keep a SIP in mutual fund separately
• Even Rs. 3,000 per month now will grow big later
• Do not depend only on EPF or employer benefits
• Do not delay this, or you will miss compounding benefit
Your retirement is your own responsibility.
________________________________________
Step 7 – Add Parents to Insurance Carefully
If your company allows, you may add parents to corporate health cover.
• It will help in basic hospitalisation cases
• But corporate cover has limits and co-pay
• Also, it may go away if job changes or company policy changes
• It’s better to take separate senior citizen health plan for them
• That gives peace of mind
If you can’t afford separate policy now, keep a medical buffer for them.
________________________________________
Step 8 – Avoid These Common Mistakes
• Don’t delay investments any more
• Don’t buy policies for investment
• Don’t rely on FD or RD for long-term goals
• Don’t mix insurance and investment
• Don’t invest in direct mutual funds without guidance
Always invest with clarity and purpose.
________________________________________
Step 9 – Increase Investments Every Year
• Increase SIP with each salary hike
• Top-up SIP at least 5–10% every year
• Put any bonus or incentives in lump sum in mutual fund
• Don’t upgrade lifestyle too fast
• Stick to your savings ratio
Wealth is built slowly with consistency.
________________________________________
Step 10 – Track and Review Every Year
• Keep all investments and goals in one place
• Use apps or Excel to track growth
• Review performance every 6 months
• Rebalance only when needed
• Take help from Certified Financial Planner for yearly check-up
This ensures you stay on the right path.
________________________________________
Final Insights
You are 41 now. You still have time to secure your future.
But the right time to act is now.
Start with basics – emergency fund, term insurance, SIP.
Build each step one by one.
Don’t wait for perfect income to start saving.
Start with what you can and grow slowly.
Use mutual funds in regular plan via MFD with CFP.
Avoid index funds. They offer only average returns.
Avoid direct funds. You need expert hand-holding.
Don’t rely on company insurance or EPF alone.
Take responsibility for your family’s financial safety.
With right action, you can still build a good future.
________________________________________
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: Understanding Your Investment Concern

You are 30 years old now.

You have invested Rs. 18 lakhs in mutual funds.

Most of the money is lump sum, not SIP.

You are disappointed with the growth in the past year.

You are holding a mix of sectoral and thematic funds.

Some funds are mid-cap, small-cap, and hybrid too.

Let us assess this from all angles and give a 360° guidance.

Why the Portfolio May Not Be Performing

Equity markets are volatile in the short term.

One year is too short to judge mutual funds.

Mid and small caps are more volatile than large caps.

Sector funds like tech or pharma are risky and cyclical.

Some funds may overlap in holdings.

Direct plans don’t offer guidance or portfolio correction.

Disadvantages of Sector and Thematic Funds

Sector funds invest in only one industry.

If that sector underperforms, the fund suffers.

Healthcare and PSU sectors are not consistent.

Technology funds are highly volatile in current markets.

These funds need expert entry and exit timing.

They are not suitable for long-term wealth building.

You are exposed to concentrated risks.

Disadvantages of Direct Plans

Direct funds have lower expense ratio, but lack support.

No one guides when to shift or redeem.

No tracking, no rebalancing is available.

You may miss important updates or changes.

There is no hand-holding in market corrections.

Regular funds through MFD with CFP give complete advice.

You get periodic reviews and goal-based tracking.

That improves long-term discipline and confidence.

Need for Portfolio Simplification

Your portfolio is spread across too many categories.

This makes review and monitoring very hard.

Overlap of stocks can reduce diversification benefits.

You should not hold more than 3–4 funds.

Sectoral and thematic funds should be avoided now.

They create confusion and increase risk exposure.

Only keep diversified equity and hybrid funds.

Suggested Action Plan

Avoid exiting all funds at once.

Create a clear portfolio goal for each holding.

Divide your Rs. 18 lakhs based on time horizon.

Shift out from sectoral funds in a phased manner.

Move into diversified equity and balanced hybrid funds.

Take help of MFDs with CFP credential.

They will help in goal alignment and fund selection.

Phased Exit Strategy

Do not redeem all funds together.

Use market rallies to exit thematic funds slowly.

Exit technology and PSU funds first.

Then shift funds to suitable long-term diversified funds.

Avoid panic selling in bearish phases.

Why Actively Managed Funds are Better

Index funds just copy the market.

They don’t protect capital in market falls.

No flexibility to exit weak sectors.

Actively managed funds adjust based on market trends.

Fund managers use research to find strong stocks.

They aim to beat the market consistently.

This helps in long-term wealth building.

Rebuilding with a Fresh SIP Plan

Start new SIPs in actively managed flexi-cap or large-mid funds.

Add a hybrid fund for medium-term goals.

Choose funds that suit your risk and goals.

Use Rs. 10,000–15,000 monthly SIP to average cost.

Let lump sum units stay and recover gradually.

Review portfolio every 6 months with a CFP.

Taxation Considerations While Switching

Capital gains tax applies when you redeem mutual funds.

Equity fund gains over Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Gains below that are tax-free.

Short-term capital gains taxed at 20%.

Check holding period before redeeming.

Exit only when gains are above cost and taxable limit is safe.

Emergency Fund and Insurance Check

Maintain 4–6 months’ expenses in liquid fund.

Don’t invest emergency money in equity.

Ensure term insurance and health insurance are in place.

Insurance is not investment. Don’t mix both.

Avoid These Common Mistakes Going Forward

Don’t invest based on returns of past 1 year.

Don’t hold too many funds without reason.

Don’t continue with direct funds if you feel lost.

Don’t mix sectoral funds with core portfolio.

Don’t exit mutual funds during market correction.

Benefits of Working With a CFP

CFP gives goal-based investment plans.

Reviews and updates are done regularly.

Asset allocation is adjusted based on life stage.

Tax planning is included in strategy.

You save time and avoid emotional decisions.

Certified advice builds long-term confidence.

Final Insights

Your frustration is understandable but avoid sudden exits.

Markets take time to reward patient investors.

Avoid sectoral and thematic funds for long-term goals.

Direct plans are not suitable without expert hand-holding.

Regular plans through MFD and CFP offer support and clarity.

Keep your investments simple and well-diversified.

Create new SIPs for long-term wealth creation.

Exit existing risky funds in steps, not all at once.

Track and review your goals every 6–12 months.

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

Ans: You are 70 years old and a widow.
You have Rs 60 lakh in total investments.
Rs 30 lakh is in SCSS.
The other Rs 30 lakh is in bank fixed deposits.
Your pension income is Rs 65,000 per month.
Your annual expenses are around Rs 10 lakh.

Let us now assess this from all angles and plan carefully.

Understanding Your Financial Position
Rs 65,000 pension gives Rs 7.8 lakh yearly income.

Your annual need is Rs 10 lakh.

You have a gap of Rs 2.2 lakh every year.

This gap must be funded from your savings.

Your savings need to last for next 20 years.

You are not looking to grow wealth. You are looking to preserve capital and get income.

Reassessing Fixed Deposits and SCSS
SCSS is government-backed and safe.

It pays good interest and is suitable for senior citizens.

But interest is taxable.

FD returns are also taxable.

Inflation can reduce real value of your savings.

If Rs 60 lakh only stays in FD or SCSS, it may not beat inflation.
You may face shortfall in future years.
Hence, some restructuring is required now.

SCSS Strategy (Rs 30 Lakh)
You already used full limit in SCSS.

Continue holding this till maturity.

Keep renewing it only if needed.

Use interest earned for regular expenses.

SCSS is fixed for 5 years.
You may reinvest or slowly shift part of maturity proceeds later.

Fixed Deposit Issues
FDs are simple, but not tax efficient.

Interest is added to your income.

After tax, return becomes less than inflation.

Also, FDs don’t give flexibility in income.

Breaking FDs early can lead to penalty.

Hence, keeping all remaining Rs 30 lakh in FD may not be best.
Let us look at a more balanced way.

Suggested Restructuring of Rs 30 Lakh FD Portion
Split the Rs 30 lakh into three buckets:

1. Safety Bucket (Rs 10 lakh)

Keep this in short-term FD

Use as cash reserve

For hospitalisation or emergencies

Interest will be stable and predictable

Keep this untouched unless needed

2. Stability Bucket (Rs 10 lakh)

Shift this into low-volatility mutual funds

Choose conservative hybrid funds

These combine debt and a little equity

Better than FD in post-tax return

Money grows slowly and steadily

You can withdraw as needed

3. Income Bucket (Rs 10 lakh)

Use this to set up SWP

Choose actively managed balanced or hybrid funds

Set up a monthly withdrawal

Withdraw Rs 20,000–30,000 as needed

This will fill the Rs 2.2 lakh shortfall each year
It will also give better tax efficiency than FDs

Why Mutual Funds Over Fixed Deposits Now
FDs look safe. But they don’t help with rising expenses.

Actively Managed Funds offer:

Professional management

Option to rebalance portfolio

Potential for slightly higher returns

More tax-efficient withdrawal via SWP

Liquidity with no penalty

Avoid index funds.

Disadvantages of index funds for your stage of life:

No downside protection

Fully linked to market movement

No human decision making

Not suited for steady income

Actively managed mutual funds are better for retirees.

Avoid Direct Mutual Funds
Direct plans offer low cost. But they have major drawbacks.

Disadvantages of direct mutual funds:

No personalised advice

No one to guide on rebalancing

Tax planning becomes difficult

Withdrawal strategy is unclear

You must invest only via a Certified Financial Planner-backed MFD.
They will support you in withdrawals, reviews, and tax planning.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) Use
Start SWP from a hybrid mutual fund.
This gives fixed monthly cash flow.
Unlike FDs, capital remains invested.
Withdrawals are partly capital and partly gains.
So tax is lower than FD interest.

SWP helps in:

Monthly income for 20+ years

Stable tax management

Flexibility to stop or change anytime

You can choose to withdraw only Rs 20,000 monthly in Year 1.
Later increase slowly if costs rise.

Tax Implications of Mutual Fund Withdrawals
New MF tax rule from 2025–26:

Equity mutual funds:
LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%
STCG taxed at 20%

Debt mutual funds:
Taxed as per income tax slab

SWP from hybrid equity funds is best.
It gives long-term tax efficiency.
You withdraw monthly without touching the principal.

Use Pension for Main Needs First
Pension is your primary income.

Rs 65,000 per month covers most needs

Use it for food, bills, transport, and medical

Don’t depend on investment for basic needs

Let investments be used for extras or rising costs

If pension is deposited in savings account, set monthly auto transfers.
This helps in budgeting well.

Annual Cash Planning
Each year, do this:

List expected expenses

Use pension and SCSS interest

Fill shortfall using SWP

Review investments once a year

Take help from CFP-backed MFD to rebalance

This keeps your money organised and ensures peace of mind.

Don’t Use Real Estate for Investment
Even if someone suggests buying property, please avoid.

Real estate is not liquid

Rental income is low and inconsistent

Maintenance and paperwork issues arise

Selling takes time and cost

You are better with financial assets that can be used anytime.

Don’t Buy Insurance or New Policies
At this stage, avoid all new policies.

ULIPs, endowment plans are not for your stage

They lock money for many years

Returns are very low

They confuse insurance with investment

If you already hold any LIC or ULIP, check its maturity.
If not needed, consider surrender and shift to mutual funds.

Importance of Professional Guidance
You are at an age where decisions must be careful.

Don’t try to manage alone

Avoid advice from banks or agents

Go to a Certified Financial Planner-backed MFD

They give goal-based solutions

They guide yearly reviews and tax planning

Choose someone who understands your needs. Not just products.

Risks to Plan For
You must plan for 4 key risks:

Medical emergency

Inflation eating into savings

Sudden expenses

Living longer than expected

Your plan should not run out of money at 85 or 90.
SWP + pension + SCSS interest gives that balance.

Final Insights
You are already financially safe for now.
But you must plan for 20 years, not just 2–3 years.
Don’t keep all money in FDs.
Inflation will silently reduce value.
Use a proper mix of mutual funds, SCSS, and emergency funds.
Let a Certified Financial Planner support you with a yearly plan.

By using SWP and hybrid funds, you get peace and stability.
Your retirement can be stress-free and independent.

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