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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |6156 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 24, 2025

Nayagam is a certified career counsellor and the founder of EduJob360.
He started his career as an HR professional and has over 10 years of experience in tutoring and mentoring students from Classes 8 to 12, helping them choose the right stream, course and college/university.
He also counsels students on how to prepare for entrance exams for getting admission into reputed universities /colleges for their graduate/postgraduate courses.
He has guided both fresh graduates and experienced professionals on how to write a resume, how to prepare for job interviews and how to negotiate their salary when joining a new job.
Nayagam has published an eBook, Professional Resume Writing Without Googling.
He has a postgraduate degree in human resources from Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Delhi, a postgraduate diploma in labour law from Madras University, a postgraduate diploma in school counselling from Symbiosis, Pune, and a certification in child psychology from Counsel India.
He has also completed his master’s degree in career counselling from ICCC-Mindler and Counsel, India.
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Eshwar Question by Eshwar on May 23, 2025
Career

Can you tell about electrical and computer science engineering at vit chennai is it worth

Ans: Eshwar, VIT Chennai’s Electrical and Computer Science Engineering (ECSE) program offers a unique blend of electrical engineering and computer science, ideal for careers in robotics, IoT, and automation. Although ECSE started recently, VIT’s strong placement network provides good opportunities. The university features excellent infrastructure, experienced faculty, and a vibrant campus environment. The curriculum balances theory and practical skills, preparing students for industry and research roles. Given VIT’s reputation and multidisciplinary approach, ECSE at VIT Chennai is a valuable choice for students seeking a broad engineering education with strong future prospects. In order to remain competitive in the campus recruitment drive and job market over the next four years, it is also essential to upgrade your skills, build a strong profile, and research job market trends. All the best for your admission and a bright future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8897 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
I AM 54 ,WERE SHOULD I INVEST TO HAVE BETTER FINANCIAL AFTER RETIREMENT ,I AM HAVING SIP OF 50 K, AND 20 LACS PORTFOLIO OF SHARES...
Ans: You are 54 years old, investing Rs 50,000 monthly via SIP, and holding a Rs 20 lakh portfolio in shares. You are likely preparing for a secure and comfortable retirement. Let’s assess this from all angles with a 360-degree financial view.

Understanding Your Life Stage
You are in the pre-retirement phase.

Retirement could be 5 to 8 years away.

This is a critical phase for wealth preservation.

Also, time to optimise for stable post-retirement income.

Investment mistakes now can affect lifestyle later.

So, decisions now must be very mindful and calculated.

Your Current SIP – A Solid Habit
Rs 50,000 SIP shows strong discipline. Appreciate that.

Continue SIPs in a well-diversified mix of mutual funds.

Actively managed funds are better suited at this stage.

They adjust portfolio during market ups and downs.

This is not possible with passive funds or index funds.

Why Index Funds May Not Suit You
Index funds mirror the market without active control.

They can’t reduce risk during market downturns.

No fund manager to rebalance your asset mix.

You are closer to retirement. Risk must be controlled.

Actively managed funds can do that better.

Shares Portfolio of Rs 20 Lakhs – Review Needed
Direct shares are risky for retirement planning.

Prices fluctuate daily. No guaranteed returns.

Sell part of the shares and move to mutual funds.

This reduces risk and brings consistency.

Keep only 20–25% of your portfolio in shares.

Remaining should shift to diversified mutual funds.

Direct Mutual Funds – Disadvantages for You
Direct funds need continuous tracking and monitoring.

You may miss portfolio reviews or rebalancing needs.

Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner help more.

They ensure periodic assessment, rebalancing, and tax planning.

A CFP also gives long-term planning with strategy.

They don’t stop at just selling mutual funds.

Asset Allocation – The Real Foundation
Divide your money into different buckets:

Short-term: next 1–2 years cash needs.

Medium-term: 3–5 years, lower risk funds.

Long-term: 5+ years, higher equity allocation.

This protects you from market shock and ensures liquidity.

Suggested Portfolio Structure (Broadly)
50% Equity Mutual Funds (actives, diversified, balanced)

25% Debt Mutual Funds (low duration, short term)

15% Hybrid Mutual Funds (equity + debt mix)

10% Gold Mutual Funds (inflation hedge)

Continue SIPs in These Categories
Diversified Flexi Cap and Balanced Advantage Funds.

These give flexibility and moderate risk.

SIPs must be reviewed yearly.

Ensure funds are managed by top-quality fund houses.

Don’t Ignore Retirement Goal Planning
Estimate how much money you need at 60.

Consider expenses, inflation, medical, and emergencies.

Map your SIPs and existing assets to this goal.

Adjust SIP amount or asset allocation if gap exists.

Emergency Fund and Health Cover
Keep 6–12 months of expenses in liquid mutual funds.

Avoid keeping in savings account. Use low duration funds.

Have adequate health insurance (Rs 10–15 lakh or more).

Include a super top-up policy if base cover is less.

Avoid These Mistakes Now
Don’t chase high returns through stocks.

Don’t start risky thematic funds now.

Don’t invest through tips or social media.

Don’t stop SIPs when markets fall.

Don’t mix insurance and investment.

Don’t invest in real estate for returns.

Tax Planning – Be Smart About Withdrawals
When redeeming equity mutual funds:

LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG taxed at 20%.

For debt funds, gains taxed as per your income slab.

Plan withdrawals slowly, not in one go.

Use Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) post retirement.

Investment cum Insurance Policies – Caution Needed
If you hold any LIC, ULIP, or endowment-type plans,

Review them thoroughly.

These usually give low returns.

Consider surrendering and reinvesting in mutual funds.

But do this after checking surrender charges and lock-ins.

Retirement Corpus Withdrawal Strategy
Start SWP from debt funds or hybrid funds post 60.

This gives monthly income, and keeps tax low.

Equity should be tapped last.

Don’t withdraw lump sum. Withdraw in parts.

This helps fight inflation for 20–25 years of retirement.

Post-Retirement Investment Focus
Prioritise safety, then liquidity, then return.

Don’t aim to “grow wealth” aggressively.

Ensure stable income with low risk.

Use mix of debt and balanced funds.

Review portfolio once a year with a CFP.

Financial Planning Services Benefit You More Now
You are close to retirement. Emotions and market noise increase.

A Certified Financial Planner can:

Guide you with tax-smart withdrawal plans

Do regular portfolio rebalancing

Adjust goals and strategies if life situations change

Ensure emotional mistakes are avoided during volatility

Final Insights
You are on the right path. Rs 50,000 SIP is very good.

Now shift focus from only growing to protecting wealth.

Don’t keep all Rs 20 lakh in stocks. Shift gradually.

Review goals, plan withdrawals, cover risks.

Align everything towards a peaceful, financially independent retirement.

You need a well-structured, personalised financial roadmap now.

Execute every decision with full clarity, not on instinct.

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

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |6156 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 11, 2025

Career
Sir, I passed Class 12 in 2024 with the PCB stream under CBSE. However, I now wish to shift to the Commerce stream with Mathematics. I would like to know: 1.Is it possible to take direct admission into Class 12 (Commerce with Maths) in a CBSE school? 2.If not, does CBSE provide any option for private candidates to appear for Class 12 again in a different stream? 3.Are there any other options available for students like me who want to switch streams after completing Class 12?
Ans: Bhavya, Switching from PCB to Commerce with Mathematics after passing CBSE Class 12 is not permitted under CBSE rules, as Classes 11–12 are treated as an integrated course, requiring foundational stream-specific learning in Class 11. Direct admission to Class 12 Commerce is thus impossible. While CBSE allows private candidates to add an additional subject (e.g., Mathematics) to their existing PCB stream, core Commerce subjects like Accountancy or Economics cannot be substituted. Alternatives include re-enrolling in Class 11 Commerce (time-intensive), opting for NIOS Class 12 (flexible, 1-year program with Commerce subjects), pursuing a diploma in Commerce (e.g., ICAI Foundation) for lateral entry into B.Com/BBA, or targeting university entrance exams (DU JAT, IPU CET) that accept PCB students with Mathematics aptitude. NIOS is the most efficient pathway, allowing tailored subject selection and faster transition to undergraduate Commerce programs. Repeating Class 11 is advisable only if a 2-year commitment is feasible. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future!

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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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