Which Course Offers Better Career Opportunities: Biotechnology or CSE with AI & ML?

Ans: Karthigha, For undergraduate Astrophysics admissions in government colleges, national-level entrance exams include the NEST (for NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai’s integrated MSc programs requiring PCM in 12th with ≥60% ), IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) (for BS-MS programs at IISERs and IISc, requiring PCM/B and ≥60% in 12th ), and CUET-UG (for central universities like BHU and Delhi University offering BSc Physics/Astronomy, with domain subjects in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics ). State universities like Osmania University (BSc Astronomy via TS EAMCET/class 12 merit ) and Banaras Hindu University (BSc Hons Physics via CUET ) also offer relevant programs. Backup options include pursuing a BSc in Physics (via CUET/JEE/state exams) followed by MSc Astrophysics, or exploring private institutions like UPES Dehradun (BSc Physics–Astronomy via CUET/entrance ). For direct Astrophysics UG, prioritize NEST/IAT preparation; alternatively, target CUET for Physics programs at central universities and transition to Astrophysics post-graduation. All the BEST for your Cousin's Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Chaitanya, Based on your MET rank of 18,331 and 93% PCM score, securing Computer Science Engineering (CSE) at Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, is highly unlikely, as the 2024 closing rank for CSE at the main campus was 1,633, with even specialized AI/ML programs closing below 2,500. However, CSE at Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) had a 2024 closing rank of 19,857, making it a borderline possibility in later counseling rounds if vacancies arise, though competitiveness remains high. For assured admission, consider IT, Electronics & Communication (ECE), or Data Science at MIT Bengaluru (2024 IT cutoff: 13,942) or MUJ (2024 ECE cutoff: 23,663), which align better with your rank. Alternatively, explore Biomedical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering at MIT Manipal (cutoffs: 28,762–35,630). As backups, prioritize CSE at Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (2024 cutoff: 34,429–47,624). Monitor Manipal’s spot rounds for potential CSE vacancies at MUJ or Bengaluru campuses. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Hi Sir,
there are possibilities for admission in private colleges, but it is not guaranteed. However, admission is not possible in GMC.
BEST WISHES.
POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO!

Ans: Hi Alagarsamy,

Based on your predicted score, it will be difficult to gain admission.
BEST WISHES.
POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO!

Ans: HI
Based on your predicted score, it will be difficult to gain admission.
BEST WISHES.

Ans: Hello Karunakar.
The placement record is not so bad. Yet you can go with it if you are interested in chemical engineering. If not, explore another branch of your interest.
Best of luck.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

Ans: Hello Vedansh
Prefer CSE AI ML @ JSS if possible.
Best of luck.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

Ans: Hello YT
It is not possible for us to predict the rank of COMDEK. With an expected score of 113, the chances of securing a seat in tier 1 colleges are slim. Please reconsider the idea of taking a drop merely for JEE. There is no guarantee or certainty that you will achieve success in JEE if you repeat.
Best of luck.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

Ans: You have a strong base already. You are only 33 years old. You have around 25 years to grow your wealth till retirement. Let us analyse your total investments and long-term potential from a 360-degree view.

We will assess every part of your portfolio, the risks, the growth potential, and how you can improve it step by step.

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Your Present Investments in Mutual Funds

You have invested Rs. 6.4 lakh in ELSS, Rs. 3 lakh in a long-term equity fund, Rs. 2.2 lakh in a bluechip fund, and Rs. 1.4 lakh in a focused fund.

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Your total mutual fund lumpsum investment is Rs. 13 lakh.

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These funds are mostly equity-oriented and for long-term growth.

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ELSS funds are locked for 3 years but give tax benefits under section 80C.

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Your mix of ELSS, large cap and focused funds shows good diversification.

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The focus is more towards tax saving and large cap growth.

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This is suitable for someone with a stable income and long-term view.

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But your fund mix should be reviewed every year.

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Some funds may underperform over time and need replacement.

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Active monitoring gives better results than just investing and forgetting.

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A Certified Financial Planner can help you review and restructure if needed.

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Continue tracking performance every 6 months to stay on track.

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Your Monthly SIPs and Allocation Pattern

You are running a Rs. 30,000 SIP each month.

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40% of it is in small cap funds.

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20% is in gold mutual fund.

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The rest 40% seems to be in large/multi-cap or other diversified equity funds.

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Now let us analyse this composition:

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40% in small cap is quite aggressive.

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Small caps are very volatile. They can give high returns but also deep corrections.

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Keep small cap allocation below 25% in total equity SIPs.

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You can move some SIP amount to a balanced advantage fund.

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Balanced funds give stability when markets are down.

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20% in gold mutual fund is on the higher side.

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Gold is not a compounding asset like equity.

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Over long term, gold delivers lower return than equity.

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Use gold only for 5-10% of total portfolio. Not more.

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The rest 40% in equity is fine, but needs regular review.

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Maintain SIPs in regular plans through Certified Financial Planner.

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Direct funds give no handholding or guidance when markets fall.

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Regular plans help you stay committed and balanced.

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Rebalancing SIPs every 12–18 months improves returns and reduces risk.

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Your National Pension System (NPS) Contribution

You have Rs. 17 lakh corpus in NPS Auto Choice.

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You are adding Rs. 1.2 lakh per year to NPS.

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NPS Auto Choice invests automatically in equity, debt and govt securities.

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Your allocation will shift towards debt slowly as you age.

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This reduces risk after age 45.

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NPS is a good retirement asset due to long lock-in.

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But maturity proceeds are partly taxable and partly annuity.

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So don’t depend only on NPS for retirement.

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Use mutual funds also to build tax-efficient corpus.

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NPS is a supporting vehicle, not a full retirement solution.

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How Much Can All These Generate Till Retirement?

Let us assume you invest for 25 more years.

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You will add Rs. 30,000 monthly SIPs. That’s Rs. 3.6 lakh/year.

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You will also add Rs. 1.2 lakh/year to NPS.

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Your mutual fund lumpsum of Rs. 13 lakh continues to grow.

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Based on long-term equity CAGR of 11% to 12%, your corpus will grow strongly.

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In 25 years, your MF corpus alone can become several crores.

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Your NPS corpus can also cross Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 1.5 crore.

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Final retirement wealth can range between Rs. 3.5 crore to Rs. 5 crore or more.

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This depends on SIP discipline, fund choice, rebalancing and staying invested.

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Direct fund investors often lose returns due to fear and wrong decisions.

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Regular plan investors with Certified Financial Planner stay more consistent.

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That helps in wealth creation without panic or stopping SIPs.

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Improvement Areas in Your Current Strategy

Let us now talk about areas of improvement in your plan.

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Reduce gold fund SIP to 5% or 10%. Use rest in hybrid or flexi cap funds.

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Reduce small cap SIP exposure to 25% or less. Add large and balanced funds.

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Monitor ELSS performance. Don’t hold old ELSS just for tax benefit.

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Move older ELSS units to better performing funds after 3-year lock-in.

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Use a Certified Financial Planner for fund selection and annual review.

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Avoid investing through apps that show direct funds without guidance.

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Do not fall for lowest expense ratio trap.

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Many direct funds underperform due to no tracking or correction.

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Regular plans give you peace of mind and expert handholding.

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Start tracking goals – like retirement, home, child’s education.

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SIPs done without goals often get withdrawn during market dips.

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Emergency fund must be built separately. At least 6 months of expenses.

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Do not mix emergency savings and investments.

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Taxation Awareness You Must Keep in Mind

As your investments grow, tax rules will affect your returns.

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For equity mutual funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh/year is taxed at 12.5%.

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STCG (less than 1 year) is taxed at 20%.

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For debt funds: gains are taxed as per your slab.

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NPS maturity is partly tax-free, partly annuity and taxable.

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Gold fund redemptions are taxed as per type of asset (debt-based).

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Plan your redemptions with tax calendar in mind.

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Avoid frequent switches. It reduces compounding and increases tax.

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Rebalance with minimal taxation in mind.

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Long-Term Stability Recommendations

You are already doing great.

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But to ensure success for next 25 years, follow these:

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Stick to SIP discipline no matter what market says.

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Review SIPs every year with Certified Financial Planner.

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Don’t change funds just because of short-term performance.

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Add hybrid and flexi-cap funds to reduce ups and downs.

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Avoid investing heavily in gold for long term.

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Shift risky allocation slowly to stable funds as you near 45.

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Use NPS only as a support system for retirement.

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Track your wealth growth every year without panic.

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Focus on goals and time horizon, not only on returns.

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Build Rs. 3 crore to Rs. 5 crore corpus slowly with consistent habits.

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Compounding rewards patience. Not shortcuts.

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Finally

You are already ahead of most investors of your age. Very disciplined.

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But success is not about starting alone. Staying the course is more important.

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Avoid gold fund overuse. Reduce small cap exposure slightly.

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Add stability via hybrid and balanced equity funds.

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Don’t switch to direct plans. They seem cheaper but may cost more emotionally.

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Investing through regular plans with Certified Financial Planner is safer.

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Continue current path with corrections. Retirement will be stress-free.

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Stay consistent. Review yearly. You will reach your wealth goals peacefully.

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