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Chocko

Chocko Valliappa  |514 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Entrepreneur, Educationist - Answered on May 09, 2024

Chocko Valliappa is the founder and CEO of Vee Technologies, a global IT services company; HireMee, a talent assessment and talent management start-up; and vice chairman of The Sona Group of education institutions.
A fourth-generation entrepreneur, Valliappa is a member of Confederation of Indian Industry, Nasscom, Entrepreneurs Organization and Young Presidents’ Organization.
He was honoured by the YPO with their Global Social Impact award in 2018.
An alumnus of Christ College, Bangalore, Valliappa holds a degree in textile technology and management from the South India Textile Research Association. His advanced research in the Czech Republic led to the creation of innovative polyester spinning machinery.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 14, 2024Hindi
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hello sir, i am a civil engineer and passed out in 2019, i was preparing for ssc je and not able to clear the exam yet , i dont want to do private job due to more then 12 hours working and no sunday off in construction line, and very harsh condition, i am having a great gap after my engineering, i am very confused what should i do, should i continue my preparation with more dedication and hard work or should i join those private job which i really hated. i am really depressed right now, my parents are also very concern about my career, i really dont know what to do.

Ans: I can understand the peculiar situation that you are going through. My advice is to get over all the negativity and adopt positivity as a way of work and life. As a young man don't shy away from hard work, private jobs offer great challenges and rewards. Civil Engineering is the foundational engineering discipline and lends itself to use of new tools and technologies through use of of software to build structures using design elements that use newer materials to build infrastructure, homes, industrial townships that further sustainability. Look at acquiring project management skills and explore opportunities with optimism and passion.
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Pradeep

Pradeep Pramanik  |251 Answers  |Ask -

Career And Placement Consultant - Answered on Aug 03, 2024

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I have completed my civil engg from reputed govt college in 2016 and after that I went for gate coaching i got 35 marks in gate 2017. (I know this is not my best I can do better). After that I started preparing for technical govt exams. After one year some of my prelims were missing by .25 marks 2 marks that time I gave up. And started doing site internship to start my own civil engg consultancy firm. But I got one opportunity to do job as lecturer in polytechnic college so I started doing job at polytechnic college. After 6 months again I started doing studies and cleared mains of state 2019 PSCs Assistant engg. And missed rrb je post by 2 marks in mains. After that exam corona came and I couldn't keep myself on the track and one year again wasted. In 2021 March I have started preparing for prelims and cleared prelims and for mains exam I joined one online class named super 40 and already half syllabus was over at time.of joining so I started watching lectures and as lectures were lengthy and so much lectures were there so I couldn't do revision properly and I lost my self confidence due to that coaching and it was totally waste of money. Again that time it was time everyone was saying do software classes to get job and many of mine friends done those classes so I also joined one to get job and successfully wasted another 6 months. I don't know what to do now. I still feel that If I can study for another 5/6 months I can clear rrb je. In between I got offer of 25k per month as site engineer I denyed that. It's been 8 years since my degree and still. unemployed. Please help me out.
Ans: Dear Friend , When You are not focussed or keep on changing your plans , it is bound to happen. In these precious 8yrs you could have made your career in Civil Engg. However you wanted to start your consultancy or then wanted to try your hand in Govt Jobs or some times you tried your hand in teaching but quit the job. If you delay in taking a firm decision , even getting a job in your core field will be difficult. So get into a stable job and build you career.

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Chocko

Chocko Valliappa  |514 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Entrepreneur, Educationist - Answered on May 09, 2024

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Sir i am a civil engineer graduate 2023 i did my graduation in civil engineering from a tire 2 -3 college from mumbai university . I didn’t get any job its not like that i am dum student or else i was not good at studies u definitely found partility that in civil they took all diploma + degree holders with less knowledge also in companies such a worley , godrej , technimont etc mnc companies with salary of 6-7 lpa but sir i was scattered because i lost my dad in covid my mom is working but her salary is just 50k and now after trying out for jobs as fresher i found a job in IIT bombay as project technical assistant which gives me 30k but its in ocean department. Now i want to learn further i am seeing people doing masters from priavte university like nicmar adani symbiosis etc in construction or infrastructure management. I am stuck jn life what to do im trying for government but i know government junior engineers job wont pay me much to buy home for my mom . In such case what will be best please help
Ans: I fully empathize with your situation. Do focus on the positive of having completed BTech in Civil Engineering. Civil Engineering is the foundational engineering discipline and lends itself to use of new tools and technologies through use of of software to build structures using design elements that use newer materials to build infrastructure, homes, industrial townships that further sustainability. Use your current Tech Asstt job to learn about Oceanography as an added skills. Look at acquiring project management skills and explore opportunities with optimism and passion.

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9738 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 31, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 16, 2024Hindi
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Sir ,I have been preparing for government exams since 2018 June firstly I prepare for gate in 2019 with college semester in 2019 gate result I.e, 2019 March I qualify with 46 marks that's somehow good score that time for me because I prepare with self study due to over confidence and lack of family income I didn't join coaching and started preparing for UPSC engineering services with full dedication at the age of 20.5 in 2019 eligible for ese 2020 with 21 yr age somehow I got 150 around marks and didn't qualify prelims that time cut off around 240 due to railway has taken his seats so UR cut off increase by 60 which is 188 last in 2019 ese so I got in depression that I prepare with full dedication and even I have a gap of 100 marks in prelims so somehow I came to home in june 2020 after a huge gap of depression in 4,5 months in delhi and started for gate and ese again same condition I couldn't even qualify prelims and got covid in 2021 and from that 2021 I joined UNACADEMY work 1.5 yrs and again I started preparation due to less salary now I have a gap of 5 years no masters degree no industrial skillls and family income less than 20k per month what should I do go and search for civil engineering related job or build a confidence and again prepare one more attempt
Ans: I have gone through the details of your Efforts, Failures, Depression & Your family’s Economic condition.

Based on the above factors, here are the suggestions for you:

1) Till your age bars, try to attempt other comparatively easier (than UPSC) Competitive Exams for Government Jobs & prepare daily for 2-3 hours before & after you come back from work.

2) But AVOID attempting those Competitive Exams which you have already done a number of times and failed. Lack of change in preparation strategies / change in Govt. Policy are the reasons for your subsequent failures.

3) Keeping in view your family’s economic condition & your AGE now, it is suggested to DEFINITELY go for any work, related to your domain, to support your family.

4) Try to upgrade your skills by joining short-term courses with any Institute, related to your domain (or) any other domain you are passionate over. However, make sure that the Institute you join provides JOB GUARANTEE after you complete the Course. Or you can join any ONLINE Courses which are much in demand in job-market.

5) If time does not permit for you to prepare for Competitive Exams & if you feel you are highly demotivated for Govt. Exams, it is advisable for you to fully FOCUS on your Career, related to Civil Engineering & gain good experience.

Hope I have clarified your doubts.

If you need any other clarifications or have questions for anyone, post your questions (in detail) to me and/or follow me here in RediffGURU for more useful information on ‘Careers / Education / Jobs’.

All The BEST for your Bright Future from RediffGURU.

Nayagam PP
EduJob360
CERTIFIED Career Coach | Career Guru
https://www.linkedin.com/in/edujob360/

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Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9738 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 31, 2025

Career
Iiit sricity cse or iiit nagpur cse which is best sir
Ans: Based on the following insights/information, please choose the more suitable option: IIIT Sri City and IIIT Nagpur are both centrally funded institutes offering B.Tech Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) programs, but they differ in academic maturity, placement outcomes, infrastructure, and industry integration. IIIT Sri City, located in Andhra Pradesh, boasts an impressive 93.6% placement rate for the 2025 batch, with an average CSE package of ?19.24LPA and top recruiters like Amazon, Google, Deloitte, TCS, and Infosys. Its curriculum, mentored by IIIT Hyderabad and IIT Hyderabad, emphasizes both foundational computing and research with active faculty engagement and industry interfacing. The 81-acre campus offers state-of-the-art labs, modern classrooms, sports complexes, and research centers, located within an integrated industrial city hosting over 180 multinational companies, which enhances exposure and internship opportunities. Faculty are PhD-qualified and the institute encourages undergraduate research and entrepreneurship, supported by ongoing national research projects and industry collaborations. IIIT Nagpur, in Maharashtra, is newer and recorded an 80.37% placement rate for the 2025 CSE batch, with an average package of ?14.2LPA and major recruiters such as Adobe, TCS, Google, EY, Cisco, and Accenture. The campus provides ample residential and academic facilities, including modern labs, well-equipped hostels, and sports amenities. Institute-industry collaborations, such as with Haldiram Foods International, aid in practical exposure, though the placement rate and recruiter diversity trail behind Sri City. Faculty credentials and research involvement are strong, but the campus is still growing in size and alumni network.

RECOMMENDATION: Between IIIT Sri City CSE and IIIT Nagpur CSE, IIIT Sri City is the superior choice for its stronger placement metrics, higher average packages, advanced research centers, and greater industry integration through its unique location in a major industrial hub. Choose IIIT Sri City for a more mature academic environment, robust infrastructure, and wider professional opportunities; IIIT Nagpur remains a good alternative for those seeking a stable, supportive environment in central India. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10017 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 31, 2025Hindi
Money
Sir, I'm 51 years old. I'm currently working in private organisation with 30 LPA. I don't have children. My current financial position is as follows. PF - 65 lakhs A own house - loan cleared. I don't have any loans or commitments. A open plot worth 40 lakhs. 15 lakh bank balance. SIP - 5 lakhs Rental income of 30000 per month. Farm land 5 acres worth 6 crores. Please advice as I was planning to retire at the age of 60. My self and my wife are fully fit and have no health problems as of now.
Ans: You have built a solid base. Your discipline and clarity deserve sincere appreciation.

At 51, with no financial dependents and no liabilities, your position is strong. Your current income, assets, and investments indicate a clear path to retire comfortably at 60. Let’s evaluate and guide you from all possible angles.

? Income and Employment Overview

– You are earning Rs. 30 lakh per annum from your job.
– Rental income adds Rs. 30,000 per month.
– No loans or EMI burden is a big plus.
– You have 9 more working years before retirement.
– Health is stable for you and your wife. This is important.

Your focus should now shift towards capital protection, inflation-proof retirement income, and creating flexibility in future choices.

? Provident Fund Assessment

– Rs. 65 lakh PF corpus is already a great achievement.
– Continue monthly PF contributions until retirement.
– This corpus can grow significantly in 9 years.
– It will form the backbone of your retirement income.
– After retirement, you may use part of PF for SWP or annuity-type withdrawals, but not annuity products.

? Bank Balance Review

– You hold Rs. 15 lakh in bank balance.
– Maintain Rs. 5 to 7 lakh as emergency fund.
– Remaining balance should be parked in liquid or arbitrage funds.
– This helps earn better returns than regular savings.

Idle cash leads to value erosion due to inflation. Keep it optimised.

? SIP and Mutual Fund Investment Analysis

– Rs. 5 lakh corpus in mutual fund SIPs is modest.
– Continue investing every month in diversified equity funds.
– Target Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 70,000 per month SIP till retirement.
– Step up your SIP by 10% annually.
– Your MF portfolio should be mix of large-cap, flexi-cap, and mid-cap.
– Add conservative hybrid or dynamic funds after age 55.
– This builds stability and lowers volatility.

Stay invested via regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and not direct plans.

Direct plans miss out on expert advice and portfolio review support.
Regular plans via CFP ensure handholding, rebalancing, and strategy alignment.

Also, avoid index funds.

Index funds mirror the market. They don’t beat it.
No flexibility in changing allocations based on market cycles.
Actively managed funds offer fund manager expertise and better risk control.

? Rental Income Role in Retirement

– Rs. 30,000/month rental is a good supplementary income.
– It adds Rs. 3.6 lakh yearly without risk.
– Even if post-retirement you stop working, this income continues.
– Use it as a buffer for medical expenses or lifestyle needs.

Ensure the property is well-maintained. Consider succession planning early.

? Real Estate Asset Review

– You own a residential house (loan-free).
– You own a plot worth Rs. 40 lakh.
– You also own 5 acres of farm land valued at Rs. 6 crore.

Though these are valuable, do not rely on real estate for income generation or liquidity.
As a policy, real estate is not a recommended investment instrument.

Real estate has illiquidity, high maintenance, and poor transparency.
Retirement income needs steady and easy-to-access cash flows.

You may consider partial monetisation of either plot or farmland after age 58, only if needed.

Until then, let these remain wealth reservoirs, not income engines.

? Health Insurance Coverage

– You and your wife are currently healthy.
– But medical inflation is high.

You must have the following in place:

– One family floater health insurance policy of minimum Rs. 15–20 lakh.
– Top-up policy of Rs. 25 lakh if base policy is low.
– Critical illness cover for both spouses.
– Rs. 5–7 lakh health emergency fund.

Check existing cover from employer. Buy a standalone policy now.
After retirement, premiums shoot up. It’s harder to get approval too.

? Retirement Planning Strategy

Your target retirement age is 60. That gives 9 more years.

Key goals during this phase:

– Grow corpus steadily and safely.
– Build equity-debt balanced portfolio.
– Keep risk moderate.
– Ensure liquidity at all times.
– Avoid locking funds in long-term products.
– Never chase high returns with risky products.

Post retirement, build your income stream using:

– SWP from mutual funds.
– Partial withdrawals from EPF and PPF.
– Rental income.
– Farm income if managed well.
– Use debt mutual funds for parking money safely.

Make sure to avoid:

– Annuities
– ULIPs
– Endowment policies
– Real estate investments
– Index or direct plans

If you hold any LIC, ULIP or combo investment-insurance policies, you should surrender them and shift to mutual funds via a CFP.
They give poor returns, low transparency, and poor liquidity.

? Tax Planning and Capital Gains Strategy

– Post 2025, MF taxation has changed.
– Equity MF:

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG taxed at 20%.
– Debt MF:

LTCG and STCG both taxed as per your slab.

Plan redemptions accordingly after retirement.
Stagger withdrawals using SWP route to lower tax impact.

Continue tax-saving till retirement using:

– EPF, PPF, SIP in ELSS if needed.
– NPS if you want additional tax shield.
– Health insurance premium and standard deductions.

Avoid aggressive tax-saving schemes. Simplicity matters more now.

? Lifestyle Planning and Retirement Readiness

– Decide your expected lifestyle post-retirement.
– Estimate monthly expense today and inflate it by 6–7% yearly.
– Include travel, wellness, gifts, maintenance, contingencies.
– Don’t plan a frugal lifestyle. Keep some leisure fund.
– Try living on your estimated post-retirement income for 3–6 months.

This will help you validate your corpus needs and comfort zone.

? Estate Planning and Succession Clarity

– Since you have no children, plan succession early.
– Draft a registered Will for all properties and investments.
– Assign trusted nominee for all accounts and policies.
– Use joint ownerships to avoid legal issues.
– Keep your spouse aware of all investments, passwords, and financial contacts.

Nomination is not ownership. Will supersedes all. So don’t delay.

? Risk Management and Portfolio Review

– Avoid high-risk investments now.
– Don’t experiment with PMS, unregulated products, or fancy tax schemes.
– Stick to a well-diversified mutual fund portfolio.
– Maintain 60:40 ratio of equity and debt from age 55.
– Monitor the portfolio at least twice a year.

Involve a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for regular reviews.
This ensures asset allocation is aligned with age and goals.
They also help you rebalance and switch tactically.

? Final Insights

– Your foundation is strong and well-prepared.
– You have no debt and ample assets.
– Just focus on disciplined investing and avoiding risky decisions.
– Allocate savings wisely across mutual funds and fixed instruments.
– Protect health and legacy with insurance and a Will.
– Your goal to retire at 60 is 100% achievable with the current plan.

A few tweaks and regular reviews will secure your financial freedom.

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

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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