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Should I choose BITS ECE or NIT Surathkal/Warangal EEE?

Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 23, 2024

Nayagam is a certified career counsellor and the founder of EduJob360.
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Arohi Question by Arohi on Jun 22, 2024Hindi
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Which one should I choose BITS ECE or NIT Surathkal/Warangal EEE

Ans: Arohi, Order of preference (1) BITS-ECE (only if fees of around 35.00 Lacs (+/-) is affordable (2) NIT-S-EEE & (3) NIT-W-EEE. All the BEST.


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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9644 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 25, 2025Hindi
Money
I'm 23 years old. I have a group 'B' central government job with in hand salary of 81K and Rs. 16700 in nps account. My salary will be 1.05 L from January excluding around 20K per month nps contribution. From January'26 salary will increase 8-10% annually. I'm unmarried and not planning to get married in next 5 years. How can I be financially free till 35 years age with an income of 1 lakh monthly of current value ? Consider no expense in marriage and I have a house.
Ans: You have a good starting point at a young age. Your income stability and discipline will help you achieve your goals. Below is a detailed 360-degree financial action plan.

? Income and Cash Flow Assessment

Your in-hand salary now is Rs 81,000 per month.

By January, your salary will increase to Rs 1.05 lakh.

Additionally, around Rs 20,000 will go to NPS.

Total CTC is already quite decent for your age.

From January 2026, expect an 8% to 10% hike yearly.

This shows a strong career growth potential.

You have no immediate marriage expenses.

You also own a house. This reduces a major financial burden.

? Understanding Your Financial Freedom Goal

Your target is Rs 1 lakh per month income at 35 years age.

This is a big but possible target.

You have 12 years to build wealth for this income.

Assuming today’s value, Rs 1 lakh monthly is your passive income target.

This means you need a big corpus to generate this income.

Your focus should be on disciplined saving and smart investing.

Also, increasing your income regularly and saving part of it.

? Savings Capacity Analysis

Currently, you can save 60% of your in-hand salary.

You have fewer personal responsibilities right now.

This gives you a huge saving potential.

Your NPS is already being built. But it is for retirement, not financial freedom.

You need a separate investment portfolio for financial freedom at 35.

? Emergency Fund is First

Start with creating an emergency fund of 6 months' salary.

Save Rs 5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh in liquid mutual funds over the next 12 months.

This will protect you from unexpected situations.

? Start Systematic Investments

Start SIPs in actively managed equity mutual funds.

Avoid index funds.

Index funds only track the market and cannot outperform.

Actively managed funds have professional fund managers.

They aim to beat the market returns.

Avoid direct mutual fund plans.

Direct funds lack expert guidance during market falls.

Always invest in regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner and MFD.

SIP amount should be at least Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 monthly initially.

Increase your SIP amount every year along with your salary hikes.

? Asset Allocation Strategy

Keep 70% in equity mutual funds.

Keep 20% in debt mutual funds and recurring deposits.

Keep 10% in gold over the long term.

Equity gives long-term growth.

Debt gives stability and liquidity.

Gold gives inflation protection.

? Avoid These Investment Options

Do not invest in real estate. It is illiquid.

Do not invest in annuities. They give poor returns.

Do not invest in direct stocks without knowledge.

Avoid insurance-linked investment products like ULIPs.

? Insurance Protection is a Must

Buy a term life insurance of Rs 1 crore.

Premium will be low because you are young.

Buy health insurance for yourself. Rs 5 lakh cover is a good start.

These protections avoid eroding your savings due to unexpected events.

? Passive Income Strategy for Financial Freedom

To earn Rs 1 lakh monthly, you need a corpus.

This corpus should be invested in diversified equity and debt mutual funds.

Over 12 years, with aggressive savings and returns, you can build this.

Once you reach age 35, shift some of your equity to debt funds.

This gives regular income from the accumulated corpus.

Withdraw monthly from debt and balanced funds for your needs.

Keep reviewing your withdrawal and portfolio annually.

? Steps to Increase Your Savings Year by Year

Step 1: Start with saving 50% to 60% of your salary now.

Step 2: Increase SIP by 10% to 15% every year as salary rises.

Step 3: Whenever you get bonuses, invest 50% of them.

Step 4: Avoid lifestyle inflation. Keep your expenses simple.

Step 5: Stay unmarried till 30+ gives you a big saving advantage.

? Role of NPS in Your Portfolio

NPS is good for your retirement at 60 years.

But NPS cannot be used for financial freedom at 35.

Withdrawals from NPS are restricted before retirement.

Hence, create a separate portfolio for your early financial freedom.

? Mutual Fund Taxation for Withdrawals

When you sell equity mutual funds, LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains are taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Plan your withdrawals smartly to reduce tax impact.

? Portfolio Monitoring and Rebalancing

Review your portfolio yearly with a Certified Financial Planner.

Rebalance equity and debt allocation based on market and goals.

Stay away from emotional investment decisions during market ups and downs.

? Your Monthly Savings Plan Example

Salary (from January): Rs 1.05 lakh.

Expenses: Keep them within Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000 monthly.

Saving capacity: Rs 70,000 to Rs 75,000 monthly.

Start SIP with Rs 40,000 now.

Keep Rs 20,000 aside for emergency fund until it is complete.

Invest the balance in debt mutual funds or recurring deposits.

? Suggested Immediate Steps

Step 1: Open liquid mutual fund and start saving Rs 20,000 monthly.

Step 2: Start SIP of Rs 40,000 in actively managed equity mutual funds.

Step 3: Take a term insurance cover of Rs 1 crore.

Step 4: Take individual health insurance of Rs 5 lakh.

Step 5: Review and adjust SIP upwards after every salary hike.

? Financial Freedom Corpus Estimation

To get Rs 1 lakh monthly, you need a corpus.

A corpus of around Rs 2.5 crore to Rs 3 crore is needed.

You have 12 years to build this.

At your saving capacity, this is possible if you stay disciplined.

Compounding will play a key role. Start early, stay invested long.

? What Not to Do

Don’t invest in index funds. They just follow the market passively.

Active funds can outperform by selecting the right sectors and stocks.

Don’t invest directly in mutual funds through direct plans.

You won’t get personalised guidance and monitoring there.

Always invest through a Certified Financial Planner and Mutual Fund Distributor.

They help you make goal-based portfolio adjustments.

Avoid trying to time the market. Stay invested always.

? Life Goal Planning

Your financial freedom goal is very realistic with your saving ability.

Keep your lifestyle simple till you achieve your goal.

Marriage can wait till you become financially independent.

? Final Insights

You have the right mindset at the right age. Stay consistent.

Increase your savings and SIPs with every salary hike.

Create separate portfolios for retirement and financial freedom.

Don’t mix these goals. NPS is only for retirement.

Build your emergency fund first. Then invest more for wealth.

Avoid distractions like stock tips or get-rich-quick schemes.

Financial freedom at 35 is possible if you stay focused.

Rebalance and review your plan yearly with a Certified Financial Planner.

You will achieve your Rs 1 lakh monthly passive income goal.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9644 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 25, 2025Hindi
Money
My age is 39 and I have 2 kids of 5.5 years and 3 months I have a take home of around 2.2 lacs per month. I make 20lacs per year in Stocks. I have roughly 30lacs invested in the Fund and Stocks. I have a rental income of 33K. I have an EMI of 41K for a home loan of 50lacs for 20 years. I have an LIC of 1.07lacs a year I invest roughly 60-70K per month in SIPs How should i try to invest so that I can be financially independent in the next 10 years so that i have enough for both my daughters??
Ans: ? Income and Cash Flow – Solid Base to Start
– Your total monthly income is strong at Rs 2.53 lakhs.
– This includes salary of Rs 2.2 lakhs and rent of Rs 33,000.
– Your EMI is Rs 41,000 per month. That is well within limits.
– Net free cash after EMI is above Rs 2.1 lakhs.
– Your monthly SIP investment is Rs 60–70K. That is impressive.
– You also earn Rs 20 lakhs annually from stocks.

? Current Investments – Healthy and Growing
– You have around Rs 30 lakhs invested across stocks and mutual funds.
– SIP of Rs 70K monthly builds long-term wealth steadily.
– Rental income adds passive cash flow. That is helpful.
– Your investment habits are consistent. That is appreciable.
– Keep discipline and long-term mindset to grow wealth.

? LIC Policy – Revisit and Reallocate
– You pay Rs 1.07 lakhs yearly to LIC.
– These are traditional plans or ULIPs in most cases.
– They offer low returns with high lock-in periods.
– Surrender these policies if surrender value is decent.
– Reinvest in actively managed mutual funds via SIP.
– This gives higher growth, flexibility, and transparency.
– Keep insurance and investments completely separate.

? Home Loan – Manageable and Strategic
– You have a home loan of Rs 50 lakhs.
– EMI is Rs 41,000 monthly, for 20 years.
– It is manageable within your income level.
– Prepayment can be considered later, if other goals are on track.
– Don’t prepay too early if equity growth is higher.

? Stock Market Income – High Potential but Risky
– Earning Rs 20 lakhs yearly from stocks is rare.
– But market income is unpredictable and volatile.
– Don't depend on it for fixed goals.
– Treat it as bonus income, not main engine.
– Use profits wisely for long-term investments.
– Avoid reinvesting all into risky small or mid-cap stocks.
– Move some gains to mutual funds or hybrid options.
– This gives stability and diversification to your portfolio.

? Children’s Future – Structured Goal Planning
– You have two daughters, 5.5 years and 3 months.
– You need funds for education and possibly marriage.
– Start two separate goal-based SIPs for them.
– SIPs should be in long-term equity mutual funds.
– Choose regular plans via MFD with CFP credential.
– Avoid direct mutual funds. They give no guidance or reviews.
– Regular plans give monitoring and expert support.
– Keep increasing SIP amount every year.
– Keep child goals in separate folios to track progress.
– Don’t mix their funds with retirement or housing goals.

? Financial Freedom in 10 Years – What It Takes
– You want to be financially independent by age 49.
– That’s a 10-year target. Very specific and practical.
– It will need smart investing and tight goal alignment.
– You must grow corpus to cover future expenses.
– Set target corpus based on lifestyle post-retirement.
– You must also secure children’s major education needs.
– Avoid over-investing in real estate. It is illiquid.
– Focus on financial investments for flexibility and growth.
– Build Rs 4–5 crores in financial assets over 10 years.
– SIP of Rs 70K monthly can help with that.
– Channel stock income into additional mutual fund lumpsum yearly.
– Reinvest equity profits in diversified equity mutual funds.
– Avoid concentration in one sector or stock.

? Mutual Fund Strategy – Better Than Index
– You must move away from index funds if using any.
– Index funds copy the market. No active fund manager decisions.
– They perform poorly in sideways or falling markets.
– In India, actively managed funds outperform indexes.
– They give better downside protection and rebalancing.
– Choose flexi-cap, multi-cap, and hybrid equity funds.
– Mix large-cap, mid-cap and balanced advantage strategies.
– Use regular plans and take support from Certified MFD.
– Monitor performance every 6–12 months.

? Asset Allocation – Smart and Balanced
– Equity should be 65–70% of your total assets.
– Keep 10% in debt for short-term goals.
– Add 5–10% in gold for portfolio stability.
– Avoid more real estate investment. It lacks liquidity.
– Use debt mutual funds or short-term FDs for emergency fund.
– Keep minimum 6 months’ expenses as emergency fund.
– Don’t touch this fund for lifestyle purchases.

? Term and Health Insurance – Review Coverage
– You have LIC, but no mention of term cover.
– Take term insurance of at least Rs 2 crore.
– Your current income and dependents need that cover.
– Take a separate, pure term insurance plan.
– Premiums are low if taken early.
– Health insurance for the whole family is a must.
– Don't depend only on employer health cover.
– Buy separate family floater plan of Rs 10–15 lakhs.

? Risk Control and Diversification – Stay Protected
– Don’t overexpose portfolio to stocks.
– Diversify across mutual funds and fixed income.
– Use debt funds for short-term goals.
– Don’t use stocks or equity mutual funds for child’s school fees.
– Keep long-term equity for long-term goals only.
– Avoid investment-linked insurance policies going forward.
– Don’t go for annuities. They lack flexibility and low returns.
– Stay focused on liquid and growth-oriented financial assets.

? How to Increase SIPs – Plan Step Up
– You are already investing Rs 70,000 monthly.
– Increase it by 10–15% every year.
– As income increases, raise SIPs accordingly.
– You may reach Rs 1 lakh monthly SIP in 3 years.
– This will grow corpus sharply.
– Use stock income to invest additional Rs 5–10 lakhs yearly.
– Combine SIPs and lumpsums for maximum impact.

? Tax Planning – Optimize Using Right Mix
– Use ELSS for tax-saving under Section 80C.
– Avoid LIC for tax benefit.
– Keep mutual funds for long-term gains.
– Follow latest tax rules on capital gains:
• LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%
• STCG taxed at 20%
– Rebalance portfolio based on gain and tax impact.
– Don’t withdraw from equity frequently.

? Year-Wise Plan – Actionable Roadmap
– 2024–2026:

Build Rs 1 crore corpus in equity mutual funds.

Increase SIP to Rs 1 lakh.

Shift LIC and stocks into goal-based funds.
– 2027–2029:

Focus more on daughters’ education funding.

Monitor child goal corpus yearly.

Continue growing retirement fund separately.
– 2030–2034:

Review corpus and evaluate financial independence.

Decide if you can stop active income.

Keep equity funds for drawdown with plan.

? What to Avoid – Stay Alert and Focused
– Don’t mix investments with insurance again.
– Don’t increase real estate assets.
– Don’t invest in index funds or ETFs.
– Don’t opt for direct funds.
– Direct funds lack review and strategy updates.
– Regular funds via MFD with CFP are reliable.
– Don’t depend on stock market for fixed cash flow.
– Treat it as bonus only.

? Finally
– You have income, assets, and discipline. That’s your strength.
– You must now align assets to your goals.
– Reallocate LIC money to mutual funds.
– Take term and health insurance urgently.
– Build two child goal SIPs and one retirement SIP.
– Shift stock profits slowly to long-term mutual funds.
– Increase SIPs every year without fail.
– Review asset allocation yearly with professional help.
– Stay focused. Be consistent. Avoid distractions.
– Financial freedom in 10 years is achievable.
– It needs clarity, structure, and ongoing action.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9644 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 25, 2025Hindi
Money
Sir, i am 35 years old and my intake is Rs 90 thousand/ month. I have in vested Rs 26 lacs in FDR, 15 lacs in PPF, 5 lacs in EPF, having invested Rs 13 lacs in SIP and investing Rs 31 thousand/ month in it. I have term policy covering Rs 1cr., health policy covering Rs.6 lac, HDFC Life policy of Rs. 4.5 Lac. In how much time i will reach my target of Rs. 1.5 cr ?
Ans: You are doing very well for your age. At 35, you’ve already built a good foundation. Your disciplined investments, protection through term and health policies show clear planning. Let’s now assess your journey towards Rs. 1.5 crore goal from a 360-degree view.

? Review of Current Financial Assets

– You have Rs. 26 lakh in FDR.
– Rs. 15 lakh is invested in PPF.
– EPF is Rs. 5 lakh at present.
– SIP investments total Rs. 13 lakh.
– Monthly SIP of Rs. 31,000 is ongoing.
– Total existing corpus is around Rs. 59 lakh.
– Your income is Rs. 90,000 per month.
– You also have Rs. 1 crore term insurance cover.
– Health cover of Rs. 6 lakh is active.
– A traditional HDFC Life policy of Rs. 4.5 lakh also exists.

? First Step: Define the Goal Properly

– You mentioned a target of Rs. 1.5 crore.
– But we need to know the purpose clearly.
– Is it for retirement, child’s education or home buying?
– Time horizon changes with goal type.
– And that changes investment approach too.
– Without this, planning becomes a rough guess.

? Estimate the Timeline for Rs. 1.5 Crore

– Your current investments already total around Rs. 59 lakh.
– Regular SIP of Rs. 31,000/month adds good growth potential.
– Assuming continued SIP and reasonable return, goal is reachable.
– Depending on market, you can expect to reach Rs. 1.5 crore in 7–10 years.
– This assumes no withdrawals, and SIPs continue without stopping.
– Equity investments will grow faster than FDR or PPF.

? Check Asset Allocation Balance

– You have high exposure to fixed-income options.
– Rs. 26 lakh in FDR is not growth-focused.
– PPF and EPF are also low-yield, long-lock options.
– Around Rs. 46 lakh sits in safe but slow instruments.
– Only Rs. 13 lakh is in mutual fund SIPs.
– This reduces your long-term wealth creation speed.

– Over next 10–15 years, equity may give higher growth.
– But fixed deposits may not even beat inflation fully.
– Too much safety means missed opportunities.

? Mutual Funds Will Drive the Growth

– Your Rs. 31,000 SIP is the main driver for future corpus.
– Mutual funds are great for building wealth over time.
– With equity-based funds, Rs. 1.5 crore is easily achievable.
– Time and consistency are most important here.
– Don't stop SIPs even during market dips.

– Please invest only in actively managed mutual funds.
– Index funds just copy the market with no active monitoring.
– No strategy in index funds during market falls.
– Active funds try to reduce losses and improve returns.
– Smart fund managers add value in volatile times.

? Don’t Consider Direct Funds

– If you're using direct plans, please reconsider.
– Direct funds offer no professional help or periodic review.
– Many investors take wrong decisions without expert guidance.
– That can damage long-term results badly.
– Instead, choose regular plans via Certified Financial Planner.
– You will get portfolio review, risk tracking and rebalancing.
– These improve long-term returns and goal achievement.

? Importance of Term and Health Insurance

– Rs. 1 crore term cover is a good start.
– Recheck if it’s enough based on your liabilities.
– If you have dependents or loans, you may need more.
– Rs. 6 lakh health cover is fair for now.
– But hospital costs are rising quickly.
– Consider increasing health cover to Rs. 10 lakh.
– Or add a super top-up policy.

? Traditional Insurance Policy Should Be Reviewed

– HDFC Life policy with Rs. 4.5 lakh cover is low.
– Traditional plans mix insurance and investment.
– Returns are poor compared to mutual funds.
– Life cover is also very low in such policies.

– Please check surrender value.
– If it has completed 3–5 years, surrender it.
– Reinvest that amount in mutual funds.
– That gives better growth and clear goal tracking.
– Insurance and investment should never be mixed.

? Emergency Fund Must Also Be Planned

– You haven’t mentioned savings in bank or liquid funds.
– Every person must have emergency fund ready.
– Keep at least 6 months’ expenses in liquid form.
– Use liquid funds or bank savings.
– This avoids breaking long-term investments during urgent needs.

? Avoid FDR for Long-Term Goals

– Rs. 26 lakh in fixed deposits is too high.
– FDR gives low returns after tax.
– Inflation eats into the value slowly.
– You may get only 4–5% returns effectively.

– Instead, reduce FDR and increase mutual fund investments.
– That will improve your chances of reaching Rs. 1.5 crore faster.
– Rebalancing must be done with Certified Financial Planner help.

? Increase SIP When Income Rises

– As income grows, increase SIP amount regularly.
– Even Rs. 2,000–5,000 hike each year makes big difference.
– Top-up SIP or manual increase can be done.
– Don’t let inflation reduce the value of SIP.

– Example: From Rs. 31,000/month, increase to Rs. 35,000 next year.
– Then Rs. 40,000 next year and so on.
– This will bring Rs. 1.5 crore goal even faster.

? Stick to the Right Investment Philosophy

– Stay away from short-term thinking.
– Don’t stop SIP due to market volatility.
– Don’t jump into trending funds or F&O.
– Stick to your plan and review once a year.
– Review must be done with Certified Financial Planner.
– That will keep your risk in control and track goals better.

? Avoid Real Estate Investment

– Many people feel real estate is better.
– But it has high entry cost and poor liquidity.
– It can’t be sold quickly in emergency.
– Maintenance, legal issues and taxes reduce net return.
– Mutual funds and equities are more flexible and transparent.

? Tax Planning Also Matters

– EPF, PPF and SIP in ELSS help in tax saving.
– Review tax-efficient instruments every year.
– Avoid locking too much in long-term tax plans.
– SIPs can be aligned with Section 80C goals.
– Certified Financial Planner can help you optimise this.

? Your Current Progress is Impressive

– At 35, you are ahead of many people.
– You are earning, saving, and investing smartly.
– Protection is also in place through term and health insurance.
– You are not spending blindly, which is great.

– With minor changes, you can reach Rs. 1.5 crore faster.
– You need better asset balance, not more effort.
– Regular SIP and fewer fixed income holdings is key.
– Stay invested and review plan every year.

? Finally

– You are already halfway to your target.
– SIP of Rs. 31,000/month with existing corpus looks enough.
– Rs. 1.5 crore can be reached in 7–10 years.
– Shift from FDR to mutual funds for better results.
– Avoid index funds and direct plans to stay safe.
– Don't let emotional decisions disturb your investment strategy.
– Track progress yearly with Certified Financial Planner support.
– Increase SIPs when income rises for faster growth.
– Surrender traditional insurance and shift to growth funds.
– Keep emergency funds ready and health cover updated.
– You are on the right track. Stay focused and disciplined.

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

...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.

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