12th Class Student Confused About Career Choice: Engineering or Something Else?

Ans: Dhueh, Greater Noida Institute of Technology in Knowledge Park II, Greater Noida offers B.Tech CSE with Data Science specialization in a NAAC A+-accredited private campus featuring Oracle and Dell tie-ups, modern AI/ML labs and a dedicated women’s cell; over 300 recruiters visited in 2024, yielding a 6.5 LPA average and 70 LPA highest package. Institute of Engineering & Technology, Sitapur (Lucknow, UP) is a NAAC A++-graded campus under AKTU with ECE labs in signal processing and embedded systems, conducting soft-skill workshops and mock interviews; 72 of 80 students were placed in 2024 with a 4.1 LPA average and 7 LPA top package. GL Bajaj Group of Institutions, Mathura (UP) grants CSE with AI/ML, holds NBA accreditation, industry-linked projects and recorded 94% CSE placements in 2025 with a 6.75 LPA average and 34 LPA high offer. NIET Greater Noida (Knowledge Park II) provides B.Tech CSE Cyber Security on a 13.9-acre NAAC-A campus with Oracle and Salesforce MoUs; 85% of students placed in 2024, averaging 6 LPA with a 35 LPA peak.

Recommendation: Prioritize GNIOT Greater Noida CSE (Data Science) for its superior average packages, expansive recruiter network, and women’s support initiatives; next, choose NIET Greater Noida CS for strong placement consistency and specialized cybersecurity curriculum; opt for GL Bajaj Mathura CSE for robust AI/ML training; consider IET Sitapur ECE for solid core-electronics exposure and focused mentorship. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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