Home > Career > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help

IMT Dual Country PGDM vs. TISS M.A. Social Entrepreneurship: Which is Best for Me?

Patrick

Patrick Dsouza  |1365 Answers  |Ask -

CAT, XAT, CMAT, CET Expert - Answered on Jun 20, 2024

Patrick Dsouza is the founder of Patrick100.
Along with his wife, Rochelle, he trains students for competitive management entrance exams such as the Common Admission Test, the Xavier Aptitude Test, Common Management Admission Test and the Common Entrance Test.
They also train students for group discussions and interviews.
Patrick has scored in the 100 percentile six times in CAT. He achieved the first rank in XAT twice, in CET thrice and once in the Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test.
Apart from coaching students for MBA exams, Patrick and Rochelle have trained aspirants from the IIMs, the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies and the S P Jain Institute of Management Studies and Research for campus placements.
Patrick has been a panellist on the group discussion and panel interview rounds for some of the top management colleges in Mumbai.
He has graduated in mechanical engineering from the Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad. He has completed his masters in management from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jun 13, 2024Hindi
Listen
Career

Sir, pls guide me Which course is best imt dual country program for pgdm or tiss m. A. In social entrepreneurship

Ans: TISS MA is a good course but would take you to different career options as compared to a normal MBA or as compare to IMT course. If you are interested in the kind of careers that are offered after Social Entrepreneurship course then choose that course. But if you are looking for a proper corporate job then IMT.
Career

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

R P

R P Yadav  | Answer  |Ask -

HR, Workspace Expert - Answered on Mar 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 15, 2024Hindi
Listen
Career
Hello Sir, I am civil engineering graduate. I had been preparing for competitive examinations for past few years. I have an experience of 3 years full time working, and 2 years remote need basis assistance in a company. I've a gap of 2 years for the time I went for competitive examination. Now I plan for further studies. I've explored many options. I am confused whether I should pursue MS in Project Management from USA or a M. Tech from IIT. Please guide.
Ans: Hello! It’s great to hear about your educational journey and work experience. Let’s explore the options you’re considering: pursuing an M.S. in Project Management from the USA or an M. Tech from IIT. Both paths have their merits, so let’s break it down:

M.S. in Project Management from the USA
Overview:
Degree: Master of Science (M.S.)
Location: USA
Duration: Typically 1.5 to 2 years
Skills Focus: Technical, leadership, and business skills for project management
Certifications: Eligible to apply for globally recognized certifications from the Project Management Institute (PMI), such as Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP) 1.
Advantages:
Global Recognition: An M.S. from a reputable U.S. university carries international recognition and can open doors worldwide.
Industry Exposure: Exposure to diverse industries and networking opportunities with professionals from various backgrounds.
STEM Designation: STEM-designated programs allow for Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, enabling you to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation 1.
Considerations:
Cost: U.S. education can be expensive, but scholarships and financial aid options are available.
Career Goals: If you plan to work globally or in multinational companies, an M.S. from the USA may align better.
Admission Process: Requires GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores and application to U.S. universities.
M. Tech from IIT
Overview:
Degree: Master of Technology (M. Tech)
Location: India (IITs)
Duration: Typically 2 years
Skills Focus: Specialized technical knowledge in engineering and technology.
Advantages:
IIT Reputation: IITs are renowned for their rigorous academic programs and research.
Cost: Generally more affordable than U.S. education.
Indian Job Market: If you plan to work primarily in India, an M. Tech from IIT holds significant value 2.
Considerations:
Entrance Exam (GATE): Highly competitive; securing a good rank is essential for admission to IITs.
Research Opportunities: IITs offer research-oriented programs, which can be advantageous if you’re interested in specialized fields.
Industry Exposure: May be limited compared to a global exposure.
Decision Factors:
Career Goals: Consider where you see yourself working in the long term.
Financial Situation: Evaluate your budget and scholarship opportunities.
Interest in Research: If you’re inclined toward research, IITs might be a better fit.
Global vs. Local: Decide whether you want to work globally or focus on the Indian job market.
Remember, both paths have their merits. Reflect on your aspirations, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the one that aligns best with your goals. Good luck with your decision!

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10221 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 11, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 34 years old, married, with no children yet, but we plan to start a family by the end of 2026. Our monthly household take-home income is 4.4 lakh. We have EMIs of 1.35 lakh for a home loan - 1.1 lakhs per month, 9 years left, a car loan, and a personal loan - 25k per month each having 4 years left. Our investments include 45 lakh in stocks and mutual funds, and 20 lakh in PF. I have a term plan with cover till age 85, costing 1.3 lakh per year. Our employer provides medical cover for me, my wife, and my parents; my parents will also have PSU pension and medical cover after retirement. We spend around 1.4 lakh per month on household expenses in Gurgaon. We invest 1.3 lakh monthly having 10-90 split in stocks and MFs and keep 2 lakh in an emergency savings account. My long-term goal is to pay off all loans, build a financial buffer, and then quit my job to start my own company, covering expenses for a 2 year period. Given these details, how should I plan my investments to repay my home loan early, prepare for my business plan, and decide on a realistic retirement age?
Ans: You have managed a strong income, investments, and clear goals at an early stage.
This gives you a good base to work from and create a structured plan.

» Understanding your current position
– Monthly household income is Rs. 4.4 lakh.
– Home loan EMI is Rs. 1.1 lakh with 9 years left.
– Car loan and personal loan EMIs total Rs. 25k each for 4 years.
– Household expenses are Rs. 1.4 lakh per month in Gurgaon.
– You invest Rs. 1.3 lakh monthly in stocks and mutual funds.
– You have Rs. 45 lakh in stocks and mutual funds, Rs. 20 lakh in PF.
– Emergency savings are Rs. 2 lakh.
– You hold a term plan till age 85, costing Rs. 1.3 lakh annually.
– Employer medical cover for you, wife, and parents; parents have PSU pension benefits.

» Current strengths in your financial setup
– High savings ratio after EMIs and expenses.
– Substantial equity and PF corpus already built.
– Long-term term insurance protection in place.
– Medical cover provided by employer and parents’ PSU benefits.
– Disciplined monthly investments already happening.

» Areas needing immediate attention
– Emergency savings are low at Rs. 2 lakh for your lifestyle size.
– Loans consume a large monthly cash outflow.
– Loan tenure, especially home loan, is long and interest heavy.
– Large equity allocation without clarity on near-term needs.

» Step 1 – Strengthen your emergency fund
– Current fund covers barely half a month’s expenses plus EMIs.
– Target at least 6–9 months of total expenses and EMIs.
– Build this to Rs. 18–25 lakh in a safe, liquid instrument.
– This protects you if you leave job for business or in emergencies.

» Step 2 – Clear short-term loans first
– Personal loan and car loan end in 4 years but carry higher interest.
– Prepay these first before targeting home loan.
– Direct surplus and bonuses towards these two loans.
– Once cleared, you free up Rs. 50k per month cash flow.

» Step 3 – Plan an early home loan closure strategy
– After clearing short loans, target home loan aggressively.
– Every surplus after expenses and investments can go here.
– Even one or two large prepayments yearly can cut years off.
– Avoid liquidating all equity for closure; balance debt and growth.

» Step 4 – Align investments for business plan
– You plan to quit job and start a company.
– Target 2 years’ personal expenses and business seed funds.
– Keep this fully in low-risk, liquid options 12 months before quitting.
– Do not depend on equity for this goal due to market risk.

» Step 5 – Streamline equity allocation
– Current 10–90 stock–MF split is risky for short-term needs.
– Reduce direct stock exposure for goals within 5 years.
– Actively managed funds through a CFP-driven plan can balance growth and stability.
– Avoid index funds as they cannot protect downside in market falls.
– Regular funds with CFP monitoring give personalised adjustments.

» Step 6 – Secure insurance for future family plans
– When you start a family, medical cover needs may rise.
– Employer cover may not be enough for maternity and child care.
– Plan for an independent family floater before job change.
– Continue term plan; review cover amount once family expands.

» Step 7 – Retirement planning in parallel
– PF balance of Rs. 20 lakh is a strong base.
– Continue PF contributions for steady retirement corpus.
– Once loans are gone, redirect EMI money to long-term retirement investments.
– A realistic retirement age depends on business stability and corpus growth.
– With current income and discipline, early 50s is possible.

» Step 8 – Cash flow discipline till 2026
– Avoid large discretionary spends till short-term debt is closed.
– Keep expenses controlled despite high income.
– Channel surplus into debt reduction and emergency fund.
– Review budget quarterly to ensure alignment with goals.

» Step 9 – Tax-efficient withdrawal planning
– For equity mutual funds, note LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG taxed at 20% if sold within 12 months.
– For debt funds, gains taxed as per your slab.
– Plan withdrawals for loan prepayments in a tax-smart manner.

» Step 10 – Review investments annually
– Align portfolio with changing goals and timelines.
– Rebalance to maintain correct mix of equity, debt, and liquid assets.
– Keep equity for goals beyond 7–10 years, reduce for nearer goals.

» Finally
– Build a strong emergency fund before aggressive loan prepayment.
– Close personal and car loans first for quick relief in cash flow.
– Prepay home loan with freed surplus after small loans are done.
– Separate your business seed fund from investment corpus.
– Align portfolio risk with time horizon of each goal.
– Secure independent medical cover before family expansion or job change.
– Maintain discipline in spending to accelerate debt closure and corpus growth.
– With this approach, you can aim for debt freedom, business readiness, and a comfortable early retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10221 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 11, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 34 year old, i have total debt of 50 lakhs in personal loan which includes 1 lakh of credit card bill too. Emi monthly is 1 lakhs rs and my other fix expenses are 80k. Can you suggest ways to close the loan quicker and my monthly income is 2.1 lakh rs.
Ans: You have shown strength by sharing your full numbers clearly.
This is the first step to making a clear repayment plan.

» Understanding your present position
– You are 34 years old with Rs. 50 lakh total debt.
– Rs. 1 lakh of this is credit card dues.
– Monthly EMI is Rs. 1 lakh.
– Other fixed expenses are Rs. 80,000.
– Monthly income is Rs. 2.1 lakh.
– Surplus after EMI and expenses is around Rs. 30,000.

» Analysing the debt pressure
– EMI is nearly 48% of income, which is very high.
– High EMI ratio increases financial risk if income changes.
– Credit card debt has highest interest among your borrowings.
– Clearing costly debt first will save maximum interest.

» Step 1 – Tackle credit card dues immediately
– Credit card interest is extremely high, often 30–40% yearly.
– Paying minimum amount will not reduce principal fast.
– Use any available savings or bonus to close it fully.
– This will give instant interest savings and reduce stress.

» Step 2 – List all loans with interest rate and tenure
– Rank loans from highest interest to lowest interest.
– Target highest interest loan for prepayment first.
– Keep paying regular EMIs on all loans to avoid penalties.
– Direct surplus and windfalls only to the target loan.

» Step 3 – Increase surplus for prepayment
– Current surplus is about Rs. 30,000 monthly.
– Reduce non-essential spends for next 24–36 months.
– Postpone lifestyle upgrades, holidays, and big purchases.
– This extra can push surplus to Rs. 50,000 or more.

» Step 4 – Explore debt restructuring
– Check if multiple personal loans can be consolidated into one lower-rate loan.
– A single loan with longer tenure can reduce EMI pressure.
– Lower EMI frees up more surplus for targeted prepayment.
– Only restructure if interest rate is lower and costs are minimal.

» Step 5 – Use windfall income effectively
– Any annual bonus, incentives, or extra earnings should go fully into prepayment.
– Avoid spending windfalls on lifestyle expenses until debt is cleared.
– Even one or two large prepayments can cut years from loan tenure.

» Step 6 – Avoid new borrowing
– Do not use credit cards for non-essential expenses until debt is under control.
– Keep only one active card for emergencies.
– Stop any “buy now pay later” or EMI purchases.

» Step 7 – Build a small emergency fund
– Keep at least 2 months’ expenses in a liquid form.
– This prevents taking fresh loans for unexpected costs.
– Build it before doing large prepayments beyond credit card clearance.

» Step 8 – Track progress monthly
– Maintain a debt tracker with all balances and interest saved.
– Seeing numbers go down will keep you motivated.
– Review after every prepayment to adjust focus to next costliest loan.

» Step 9 – Plan for life after debt
– Once debt is cleared, redirect the entire EMI amount to investments.
– This creates strong wealth-building momentum.
– Protect income with term insurance and health cover.

» Psychological benefit of focus
– Closing the costliest loan first gives quick relief.
– Reduced EMI share improves mental comfort.
– Discipline now will free you faster from financial pressure.

» Finally
– Close credit card dues immediately with savings or windfall.
– List and attack highest interest loan next.
– Increase surplus by controlling expenses and avoiding new commitments.
– Use debt consolidation only if it reduces interest meaningfully.
– Keep a basic emergency fund to prevent fresh borrowing.
– Once debt-free, channel EMI money into long-term investments.
– This disciplined plan will help you close loans faster and regain financial stability.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10172 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 11, 2025Hindi
Career
Good evening sir ,I am planning to join universal ai university mumbai is best for cse i got 98%i boards and 85%in mains
Ans: Universal AI University Mumbai, established as India’s first dedicated AI University, offers a specialized B.Tech in Computer Science focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Accredited by AICTE and NBA, it features a curriculum designed with significant experiential learning (65%) and inputs from industry partner LTIMindtree, encompassing internships, research projects, and leadership development. The university boasts a modern, well-equipped campus with strong infrastructure, including AI labs, advanced facilities, and a peaceful, supportive learning environment. Placement records are impressive, with a 98% hiring rate reported in 2022, an average package over ?10 LPA, and top recruiters like Amazon, KPMG, Deloitte, and EY. Students benefit from exposure to multidisciplinary subjects and global collaborations. Existing student reviews praise faculty quality and campus life but sometimes note high fees and evolving placement processes. Given your excellent 98% board marks and 85% JEE main score, you are competitive for admission and likely to thrive in this tech-focused environment if cost aligns with your budget.

Recommendation: Universal AI University is a strong choice for CSE with AI focus, combining cutting-edge education, robust placements, and industry partnerships to support your career growth. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10172 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 11, 2025

Career
Good evening sir.WHICH ONE IS BEST Puducherry Technological University ECE OR RAJALAKSHMI ENGINEERING COLLEGE CHENNAI CSE
Ans: Nesal, Puducherry Technological University (PTU) offers a strong Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) program with well-qualified faculty, robust infrastructure, and an active placement cell. The university reported an impressive 88.75% placement rate for 2024, with a median salary of ?6 LPA. Major recruiters include TCS, Infosys, Cognizant, and Zoho, supported by comprehensive career development initiatives like workshops and communication skills training. Rajalakshmi Engineering College (REC) Chennai provides a reputed Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) program featuring a dedicated placement cell and consistent industry connections. REC’s recent placement rate is approximately 87%, with a median salary near ?5.4 LPA, attracting recruiters such as Cognizant, Infosys, IBM, and Accenture. Both institutions focus on academic rigour, faculty expertise, industry exposure, and student support, but PTU's ECE boasts a higher placement percentage and package median, while REC offers a strong CSE specialization with multiple recruiter engagement.

Recommendation: Choose Puducherry Technological University for its stronger placement outcomes and higher median salary in ECE if priority is on immediate job prospects. Opt for Rajalakshmi Engineering College for CSE specialization with solid industry ties and comprehensive skill development, aligning with career goals in software and computing. The final choice should reflect your preferred branch and long-term professional focus. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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

...Read more

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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x