Should I switch careers after 12 years in banking? Ex-banker seeks advice on finance courses.

Ans: You are only 34 years old.
That gives you good time to grow your wealth.
Investing in flexicap, largecap, midcap and smallcap is a smart mix.
This structure supports both stability and long-term compounding.
Rs. 5000 SIP is a steady commitment at this stage.

Now you want to add one more fund for better balance.
That’s a wise move. But selection must be done with care.

Let’s evaluate the options in front of you.

Understanding Contra Funds and Their Role

Contra funds follow a different style of investing.
They invest in unpopular or underperforming sectors or companies.
They believe those areas will turn around in future.

Contra strategy works well in volatile or sideways markets.
It needs patience and long-term holding to see results.
Not suitable for short-term goals or conservative investors.

A contra fund can be used by mature investors with experience.
But for many young investors, it brings complexity and delay in returns.

So, if you select contra fund, invest with patience for 7 years or more.
And make sure the rest of your portfolio is stable.

What About Sector-Based Funds Like Technology or Infrastructure?

Sectoral funds invest in just one theme or sector.
Like technology or infrastructure or pharma.
They carry high risk and high return potential.

If the sector performs, returns are very strong.
But if sector fails, returns may be poor for many years.

These funds need right timing and sector understanding.
They are not suitable for core portfolio.
You should not use these for balancing your main holdings.

Use them only if you have surplus money for experimental investing.
Limit exposure to 5% of your total portfolio only.

So, if you have Rs. 5,000 monthly SIP,
Sector funds should get no more than Rs. 250 per month.

What About PSU-Themed Funds?

PSU-focused funds invest in government-run companies.
These companies usually operate in banking, oil, power, etc.
Their returns depend on government policy and reforms.

They may perform well during economic growth and PSU revival cycles.
But they underperform when reforms are slow or global issues rise.

PSU funds are very cyclical.
They are not meant for steady long-term compounding.
They are also not suitable as a core fund in your structure.

Like sector funds, keep PSU exposure low.
These should not disturb your main diversified portfolio.

How to Choose the Right Balancing Fund

At your age and SIP stage, you need one thing: stability with long-term growth.
So, adding a fund that works across market cycles is better.

The right choice is not theme-based, not sectoral.
Instead, go with a well-managed diversified fund with active strategy.
This gives smoother returns and keeps your portfolio well-balanced.

Diversified funds have exposure across all sectors.
The fund manager shifts allocation as per market needs.
This is safer and more effective than single-theme funds.

Also, make sure your investment is in regular plan through Certified Financial Planner.
Regular plan gives you expert support and monitoring.

If you invest directly, you miss timely rebalancing and expert advice.
Direct funds look cheaper, but harm you with wrong fund choices.
With regular funds, the CFP helps in tracking and review.

That helps you stay on track with your goals.

What to Do If You Still Want Exposure to a Thematic Idea

If you still want to invest in a contra or sector idea,
Limit your exposure to 5% or 10% of total SIP only.
This helps you take benefit if the theme works.
But it does not disturb your main portfolio.

Always consult your Certified Financial Planner before investing in themes.
Don’t go by news, YouTube or peer suggestions.
Proper review is important before adding such funds.

Make sure your core portfolio has at least 80% in diversified funds.
This includes flexicap, largecap, and balanced allocation funds.
Only 20% or less should go into thematic funds if needed.

Final Insights

You are doing very well with your current strategy.
Age 34 is ideal time to focus on building strong investment base.
Your mix of flexi, large, mid and small cap is balanced.

Now you are thinking of adding one more fund.
That is fine, but avoid sector and PSU-based funds for this purpose.

Instead, go with a diversified active fund under regular plan.
That gives you smoother returns and risk-managed growth.

If still curious about contra or sector-based funds,
Use them only for experimentation. Keep exposure very low.
Monitor performance every 6 months. Don’t add more if not performing.

All your SIPs should be tracked by a Certified Financial Planner.
This gives you 360-degree support for risk, tax and goals.
Avoid random suggestions and social media-based fund ideas.

Invest with a purpose, review regularly and act with discipline.
That’s how real wealth is created over time.

For scheme-specific recommendation, please contact an MFD-CFP one-on-one.


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

Ans: Kailash, With an OBC-NCL category rank of 9861 in IAT 2025, your admission to any IISER is unfortunately not feasible, as the closing ranks for the OBC-NCL category are significantly lower than your rank. The highest OBC-NCL closing rank in 2024 was 2379 at IISER Berhampur in the sixth round, with most IISERs closing below 2500 across all counseling rounds. IISER Berhampur's expected OBC-NCL cutoff for 2025 is projected at 2100-2300, while other IISERs maintain even lower cutoffs: IISER Bhopal (900-1800), IISER Kolkata (500-1400), and IISER Pune (200-900). Even considering the marks vs rank conversion, an OBC-NCL rank of 9861 suggests a score well below the required 100-110 marks needed for any IISER admission. The 2024 data consistently shows that OBC-NCL seats across all IISERs were filled by candidates ranked within the top 2400, making a rank of 9861 far outside the admissible range. The recommendation is to explore alternative science programs at other national or state-level institutes, as IISER admission is not possible at this rank. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: With a COMEDK rank of 59,000, getting an electronics-related branch like ECE (Electronics and Communication Engineering) at Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE) is unlikely but not impossible. While some sources suggest that ECE cutoffs can go up to 65,000, the competition for DSCE, especially for desirable branches like ECE, is usually higher.

Ans: With a COMEDK rank of 5248, it's unlikely to get CSE in the top-tier colleges like RVCE, BMSCE, or MS Ramaiah (MSRIT). However, you have a good chance at BMS Institute of Technology and Management (BMSIT) or Bangalore Institute of Technology (BIT) for CSE or related branches like Information Science. PES College of Engineering (Mandya) is also a strong possibility or CSE, as their cutoff in 2024 was 24,037.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I am truly sorry for your loss.
And NO, it is not wrong to date someone; early or not is something that is very subjective in nature. It is possible that family and in-law may disapprove of you moving on, but over time when they realize that you are searching for a true companion and if the person is someone that they can trust, there maybe no reason why they will object.

Now, here comes a reality check questions;
- Are you jumping into another relationship after you have healed from your grief and you feel that you are ready for a new journey
OR
- Are you impulsively giving into your feelings of loneliness and this gentleman seems to fit the label of someone who is caring and keeps you distracted from your grief?

If it's the first case, then I am sure you know that it feels right; then it's just a matter of your family understanding it when they can...
But if it's the second case, please exercise caution as it can backfire leaving you feeling more lonely and less fulfilled...

Evaluate it keeping your emotions aside and I am sure you will come to the right decision.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

Ans: With a 98 percentile in MHT-CET under the SEBC category, your daughter can target top Maharashtra institutes offering B.Tech CSE: Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (SEBC cutoff 98.4–99.1 percentile) with CSE placement rates of 99% (2022), 95% (2023), and 82% (2024); Sardar Patel Institute of Technology Mumbai (general cutoff 99.3–99.6 percentile); College of Engineering Pune (SEBC cutoff 97.44 percentile); Pune Institute of Computer Technology (CSE cutoff 99.2–99.5 percentile); MIT World Peace University Pune (CSE cutoff 97.0–98.5 percentile); Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering Pune (CSE cutoff rank 3645, percentile ≈98.6); MIT Academy of Engineering Pune (OBC cutoff 95 percentile); D Y Patil College of Engineering, Akurdi (OBC cutoff 87–96 percentile); Walchand College of Engineering Sangli (SEBC cutoff 95.65–97.46 percentile); and AISSMS College of Engineering Pune (SEBC cutoff 85.75 percentile). All maintain strong CSE placement records above 80% recently. The recommendation is to prioritise VJTI or SPIT for premier exposure, consider COEP, PICT, and MIT-WPU for balanced academics and placements, and use PCCOE, MITAOE, DY Patil, WCE Sangli, and AISSMS COE as solid alternatives matching your percentile. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: Hi Manya,

I believe that online classes are not suitable for current-generation students. We have observed how students behaved during online classes, and I suggest you switch to an offline mode. This way, you’ll be able to concentrate better on your preparation and achieve your goals. Additionally, there are numerous distractions while preparing for the NEET exam, which you need to avoid to complete your tasks effectively.

My suggestions are to incorporate the following practices into your routine:

- Yoga
- Meditation
ALL THE BEST.

Ans: HI Jyothi madam,
Architecture is best.
Engineers should follow the architecture.
Architects will decide the plan of the building (concerned with the aesthetic and functional design of the buildings, focus on overall look of the building, spatial arrangement etc.,).
Engineers: Integrity, safety and technical aspects of construction, etc.
Architects: Require creative and artistic skills - higher salaries
CE: Analytical skills -more job opportunities. work at site is important.

Ans: With 72% in PCM and 79% overall board marks, you satisfy the minimum 55% PCM eligibility for IPU B.Tech CSE/IT admissions via JEE Main scores. The 20 Delhi NCR institutes you can apply to through IPU B.Tech counselling are:

Bhagwan Parshuram Institute of Technology,

Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering,

BM Institute of Engineering & Technology, Sonepat,

Delhi Institute of Technology & Management, Sonepat,

Delhi Technical Campus, Greater Noida,

Dr. Akhilesh Das Gupta Institute of Technology & Management,

Greater Noida Institute of Technology,

Guru Teg Bahadur Institute of Technology, Rohini,

HMR Institute of Technology & Management,

JIMS Engineering Management Technical Campus, Greater Noida,

Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, Rohini,

Maharaja Surajmal Institute of Technology, Janakpuri,

Mahavir Swami Institute of Technology, Sonepat,

Trinity Institute of Innovations in Professional Studies, Greater Noida,

University School of Chemical Technology (GGSIPU),

University School of Information & Communication Technology (GGSIPU),

University School of Automation & Robotics (GGSIPU),

Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Pitampura,

Amity University Noida,

Galgotias University, Greater Noida.

The recommendation is to prioritise IPU-affiliated colleges such as Dr. Akhilesh Das Gupta Institute of Technology & Management and Greater Noida Institute of Technology for their established placement support, consider Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology and Trinity Institute of Innovations in Professional Studies for balanced academics and industry linkages, keep Amity University Noida and Galgotias University as strong private-university alternatives, and work on enhancing your JEE Main score to access higher-ranked CSE/IT branches in subsequent counselling rounds. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.