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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Alok Question by Alok on Aug 23, 2023Hindi
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I have 20lac FD, how I earning more minimum 20k per month by investing such money

Ans: Maximizing Returns on a 20 Lakh Fixed Deposit

Investing a significant amount like 20 lakhs in Fixed Deposits (FDs) presents an opportunity to explore avenues for higher returns. Let's discuss strategies to earn a minimum of 20,000 Rs per month through smart investment of this capital.

Assessing Investment Objectives and Risk Tolerance

Understanding your investment objectives and risk tolerance is crucial before exploring potential avenues for generating higher returns. Consider factors such as your financial goals, investment horizon, and comfort level with risk.

Exploring Investment Options

Diversifying your investment portfolio across various asset classes can help maximize returns while managing risk. Here are some investment options to consider:

Equity Mutual Funds

Equity mutual funds offer the potential for higher returns over the long term. By investing in a well-diversified equity fund, you can participate in the growth of the stock market and benefit from capital appreciation.

Benefits of Equity Mutual Funds

Potential for Higher Returns: Equity mutual funds have historically delivered higher returns compared to fixed-income investments like FDs.
Diversification: Mutual funds invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, reducing the risk associated with individual stock selection.
Professional Management: Fund managers make investment decisions based on market research and analysis, ensuring optimal portfolio performance.
Debt Mutual Funds

Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities such as government bonds, corporate bonds, and money market instruments. They offer relatively stable returns with lower risk compared to equity investments.

Benefits of Debt Mutual Funds

Stable Returns: Debt mutual funds provide stable returns through interest income generated from fixed-income securities.
Lower Risk: These funds are less volatile compared to equity funds, making them suitable for investors with a lower risk appetite.
Liquidity: Debt mutual funds offer liquidity, allowing investors to redeem their investments as needed without incurring significant penalties.
Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP)

If your primary objective is to generate regular income, consider setting up a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from your mutual fund investments. SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount at regular intervals, providing a steady income stream while keeping your capital invested.

Benefits of SWP

Regular Income: SWP provides a reliable source of income by systematically withdrawing a predetermined amount from your mutual fund investments.
Capital Preservation: SWP allows you to maintain exposure to the potential growth of your investments while meeting your income needs.
Flexibility: You can customize the frequency and amount of withdrawals according to your cash flow requirements.
Evaluating Risk and Return

While equity investments offer the potential for higher returns, they also come with higher risk and volatility. Debt investments, on the other hand, provide stability but may offer lower returns compared to equities.

Asset Allocation and Diversification

A well-balanced portfolio that includes a mix of equity and debt investments can help achieve your income goals while managing risk effectively. Consider your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial objectives when determining the appropriate asset allocation.

Regular Funds Through MFDs with CFP Credential

Investing through Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs) with Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credentials provides several advantages:

Professional Guidance: MFDs with CFP credentials offer personalized advice based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
Portfolio Optimization: They help select suitable investment options and optimize your portfolio to achieve your income objectives.
Periodic Reviews: MFDs conduct regular reviews of your portfolio to ensure alignment with your financial goals and make necessary adjustments as needed.
Final Thoughts

By diversifying your investment portfolio across equity and debt mutual funds and utilizing strategies like SWP, you can potentially generate a minimum of 20,000 Rs per month from your 20 lakh FD. It's essential to consult with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor your investment strategy to your specific financial goals and risk tolerance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 22, 2024Hindi
Money
Investing 1-1.5 lacs where can I get 20k monthly?? Please advise
Ans: Investing to achieve a monthly income of Rs. 20,000 from a capital of Rs. 1-1.5 lakh is a significant challenge. Typically, such high returns require either very high-risk investments or substantial initial capital. In this detailed analysis, we will explore various mutual fund options, their risks, and potential strategies to reach your financial goals.

Understanding the Goal
High Return Expectation

Generating Rs. 20,000 monthly from Rs. 1-1.5 lakh implies a return of approximately 16% per month or 192% annually. This is highly unrealistic for traditional investments.

Risk and Reality

High returns are usually associated with high risks. It’s crucial to understand that seeking such high returns can lead to potential losses. Sensible investment requires a balance between risk and return.

Mutual Fund Options Analysis
Actively Managed Equity Funds
Higher Return Potential

Actively managed equity funds can provide substantial returns over time, but they come with market risks. Fund managers actively select stocks to outperform the market. This can lead to better performance compared to index funds.

Market Volatility

Returns are not guaranteed and can fluctuate with market conditions. Equity investments are best for long-term horizons. With the right funds and strategy, these can significantly grow your wealth over time.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Regular Income

SWP allows regular withdrawals from a mutual fund investment. However, with Rs. 1-1.5 lakh, an SWP of Rs. 20,000 monthly is unsustainable. You would need a much larger capital base to generate this level of monthly income.

Long-Term Viability

SWPs are more suited for those with a substantial corpus. They provide a way to draw a regular income while keeping the principal invested for growth.

Hybrid Funds
Balanced Approach

Hybrid funds invest in both equities and debt instruments, providing a balanced approach. They offer the growth potential of equities and the stability of debt.

Moderate Risk and Return

These funds are less volatile than pure equity funds but offer better returns than debt funds alone. They can be a good option for moderate risk-takers seeking steady growth.

Debt Funds
Lower Risk, Lower Return

Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities. They are less volatile but offer lower returns compared to equity funds. They are suitable for conservative investors looking for stability.

Regular Income

Debt funds can provide regular income through interest payments, but achieving Rs. 20,000 monthly from Rs. 1-1.5 lakh is impractical.

Strategies for Sustainable Investment
Long-Term Perspective

Compounding Effect

Invest with a long-term horizon to benefit from compounding. Reinvest returns to grow your capital over time. This strategy can significantly increase your wealth.

Realistic Expectations

Adjust your return expectations to realistic levels. High, sustainable returns are rare and come with high risk. Aim for a balanced portfolio that can grow steadily over time.

Regular Contributions

Increase Capital Base

Regularly add to your investment to grow the capital base. This can help achieve higher income over time. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are an excellent way to invest regularly.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIP)

Use SIPs in mutual funds to invest regularly and benefit from rupee cost averaging. This helps in accumulating a significant corpus over time.

Balanced Portfolio

Diversification

Spread investments across different mutual fund categories to reduce risk. A mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds can provide balanced returns.

Risk Management

Regularly review and adjust your portfolio to align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. This ensures that your investments remain on track.

Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Tailored Advice

A CFP can provide personalized investment strategies based on your financial situation and goals. They can help you construct a diversified portfolio that balances risk and return effectively.

Portfolio Management

CFPs can assist in managing your investments, ensuring that your portfolio remains aligned with your objectives. They offer professional insights to optimize your investment strategy.

Regular Review

Periodic reviews with a CFP ensure your investments remain aligned with your changing financial needs and market conditions. This helps in adjusting your strategy as required.

The Importance of Realistic Financial Planning
Setting Achievable Goals

Financial Health

Focus on overall financial health rather than chasing high returns. Ensure your basic financial needs are met first. Build a solid foundation before aiming for high returns.

Emergency Fund

Maintain an emergency fund for unforeseen expenses. This provides financial security and peace of mind. It also prevents the need to liquidate long-term investments during emergencies.

Insurance

Adequate health and life insurance protect your financial plan from unexpected events. This ensures that your financial goals are not derailed by unforeseen circumstances.

Conclusion
Generating Rs. 20,000 monthly from Rs. 1-1.5 lakh is highly unrealistic with traditional investment strategies, especially with mutual funds. High returns are typically accompanied by high risks, and the capital at hand is insufficient for such a high-income expectation. Focus on growing your capital through disciplined, long-term investment strategies. Diversify your portfolio, invest regularly, and seek professional guidance to achieve sustainable financial growth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 19, 2024Hindi
Money
How can i earn more than 20 k through mf. I have investded 11k, 7.8k lumpsum in hdfc 2 folio same scheme. Thanks
Ans: Understanding Your Investment Goals
Before diving into specific strategies, it’s crucial to understand your financial goals and timelines. Are you aiming for short-term gains, or do you have a long-term vision? Knowing this helps in aligning your mutual fund investments to meet your objectives. Mutual funds can cater to various goals, including wealth creation, retirement planning, and education funding.

Evaluating Your Current Investments
You’ve invested Rs 11,000 and Rs 7,800 as a lump sum in HDFC mutual funds, within the same scheme across two folios. This is a good start, but it's important to review the performance and diversification of your current portfolio. Evaluate the fund's historical returns, risk-adjusted performance, and consistency.

Diversification: Key to Risk Management
Diversification is essential to minimize risk and maximize returns. Instead of putting all your money in one scheme, spread your investments across different types of funds. This could include equity funds, debt funds, and hybrid funds. Each type of fund has its own risk and return profile. Equity funds, for instance, are high-risk but potentially high-return, suitable for long-term goals. Debt funds, on the other hand, are lower-risk and provide stable returns.

Regular Investments vs. Lump Sum Investments
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are an excellent way to build wealth over time. They help in averaging out the cost of investments and instilling a disciplined investment habit. While lump sum investments can benefit from market lows, SIPs mitigate the risk of timing the market. Combining both strategies can offer balanced growth.

Actively Managed Funds: Benefits Over Index Funds
Actively managed funds are often preferred for their potential to outperform the market. Unlike index funds that replicate a benchmark index, actively managed funds benefit from the fund manager’s expertise in stock selection and market timing. This can lead to higher returns, especially in volatile markets.

Benefits of Regular Funds Through a Certified Financial Planner
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) has distinct advantages over direct funds. A CFP can provide tailored advice, ongoing portfolio management, and help you navigate market fluctuations. The professional guidance ensures that your investments align with your financial goals and risk appetite.

Reinvesting Dividends for Compounding
Reinvesting dividends can significantly boost your returns through the power of compounding. Instead of withdrawing dividends, opt for a growth option where the dividends are reinvested to purchase additional units. This allows your investment to grow exponentially over time.

Tracking and Reviewing Your Portfolio
Regularly tracking and reviewing your portfolio is crucial for optimal performance. Assess the funds’ performance against their benchmarks and peers. If a fund consistently underperforms, consider rebalancing your portfolio. A Certified Financial Planner can assist in this review process, ensuring your investments stay on track.

Tax Efficiency in Mutual Funds
Understanding the tax implications of your mutual fund investments can enhance your overall returns. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity funds are taxed at 10% beyond Rs 1 lakh, while short-term gains are taxed at 15%. For debt funds, long-term gains are taxed at 20% after indexation. Strategic investment planning can help minimize tax liability.

Leveraging Technology for Investment Management
Utilizing investment platforms and apps can simplify the management of your mutual fund investments. These tools offer features like automated SIPs, portfolio tracking, and market insights. Staying updated with technology can provide an edge in managing your investments efficiently.

Importance of Emergency Fund
While investing in mutual funds, ensure you have an emergency fund in place. This fund should cover 3-6 months of living expenses. It acts as a financial cushion during unforeseen circumstances, preventing the need to liquidate your mutual fund investments prematurely.

Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Investing in a few high-quality mutual funds is often more beneficial than spreading your money across numerous schemes. Quality funds have a consistent track record, experienced fund managers, and a well-defined investment strategy. They are more likely to deliver stable returns over the long term.

Staying Informed and Educated
Continuously educating yourself about mutual funds and market trends can significantly improve your investment decisions. Attend webinars, read financial news, and follow market analysis. An informed investor is better equipped to make strategic choices and capitalize on market opportunities.

Patience and Discipline: Virtues of Successful Investors
Patience and discipline are key virtues in successful investing. Avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market movements. Stick to your investment plan and review it periodically. Over time, disciplined investing can lead to substantial wealth accumulation.

Role of Asset Allocation in Achieving Goals
Asset allocation plays a pivotal role in achieving your financial goals. It involves distributing your investments across various asset classes like equities, debt, and gold. Proper asset allocation balances risk and return, aligning with your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

Understanding Market Cycles and Timing
While timing the market is challenging, understanding market cycles can help in making informed investment decisions. Recognizing bull and bear phases allows you to adjust your investment strategy accordingly. However, it's advisable to focus on long-term growth rather than short-term market timing.

Leveraging Mutual Fund SIPs for Wealth Creation
SIPs are a powerful tool for wealth creation. By investing a fixed amount regularly, you benefit from rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding. This disciplined approach can significantly enhance your returns over the long term.

Importance of Financial Planning
A comprehensive financial plan encompasses all aspects of your financial life, including investments, insurance, retirement planning, and tax planning. A Certified Financial Planner can help create a personalized financial plan, ensuring all elements work together towards your financial goals.

Staying Calm During Market Volatility
Market volatility is inevitable, but staying calm during such periods is crucial. Avoid making hasty decisions based on market fluctuations. Instead, focus on your long-term investment strategy and goals. Historical data shows that markets tend to recover over time.

Benefits of Multi-Cap Funds
Multi-cap funds invest in companies of various market capitalizations, offering a balanced approach. They provide exposure to large-cap stability and small-cap growth potential. This diversification within a single fund can enhance returns and manage risk effectively.

Exploring Sectoral and Thematic Funds
Sectoral and thematic funds focus on specific sectors or themes, like technology or healthcare. While they can offer high returns, they come with increased risk. Invest a small portion of your portfolio in these funds to benefit from sectoral growth while maintaining overall diversification.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Regular portfolio rebalancing ensures that your asset allocation remains aligned with your goals and risk tolerance. Market movements can skew your portfolio, leading to higher risk exposure. Periodic rebalancing helps in maintaining the desired risk-return profile.

Utilizing STPs and SWPs
Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs) and Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) can optimize your investment strategy. STPs allow you to transfer funds from debt to equity in a phased manner, while SWPs provide a regular income stream by withdrawing from your investments systematically.

Understanding Expense Ratios
Expense ratios impact your overall returns. Lower expense ratios mean higher net returns. Compare the expense ratios of different funds and opt for those with reasonable fees. However, don’t compromise on fund quality for lower expenses.

Final Insights
Earning more than Rs 20,000 through mutual fund investments requires a strategic approach, patience, and continuous monitoring. Diversify your investments, leverage SIPs, and seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner. Stay informed and disciplined to achieve your financial goals.

By following these strategies, you can enhance your mutual fund returns and build a robust financial future. Investing is a journey, and with the right approach, you can navigate it successfully.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 12, 2024

Money
I have 50 Lacs in fd. I am saving 1.7lpm how to invest effectively to generate money. I am 26 year old now.
Ans: Let’s break down your investment strategy step-by-step. You have Rs 50 lakhs in a fixed deposit, and you save Rs 1.7 lakhs per month. That's an amazing start at 26 years old. Your commitment to saving and investing wisely will help you build a strong financial future. Let’s dive into how you can invest this money effectively.

Assessing Your Current Situation
First, it’s important to understand where you stand financially. You have a substantial amount saved in a fixed deposit and a healthy monthly savings rate. This shows you have a strong foundation. But fixed deposits offer low returns compared to other investment options.

Understanding Investment Goals
Before diving into specific investments, let’s define your goals. At 26, you likely have long-term goals such as retirement, buying a home, or starting a business. Identifying these goals will guide your investment choices. Here’s a breakdown of common goals:

Retirement: Aim to build a corpus that will support you post-retirement.
Buying a Home: Plan for a down payment and home loan repayment.
Children’s Education: If you plan to have children, consider their future education expenses.
Travel and Lifestyle: Fund future travel and lifestyle aspirations.
Diversifying Your Investments
Diversification is crucial. It means spreading your investments across different assets to minimize risk. Here’s a diversified investment plan tailored for you:

Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are excellent for long-term growth. They offer diversification and professional management. Here’s how you can allocate your savings in mutual funds:

Equity Mutual Funds: These are ideal for long-term growth. They invest in stocks and have the potential for high returns. They are divided into various categories:

Large Cap Funds: Invest in large, well-established companies.
Mid Cap Funds: Invest in mid-sized companies with high growth potential.
Small Cap Funds: Invest in smaller companies with high growth potential but higher risk.
Flexi Cap Funds: Invest in a mix of large, mid, and small cap stocks.
Debt Mutual Funds: These funds invest in bonds and other debt securities. They are less risky compared to equity funds and provide steady returns.

Hybrid Funds: These funds invest in a mix of equity and debt. They balance the risk and return.

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Diversification: Mutual funds invest in a variety of securities, reducing risk.
Professional Management: Managed by experienced fund managers.
Liquidity: Easy to buy and sell.
Compounding: Reinvested returns generate more returns over time.
Risks of Mutual Funds
Market Risk: Equity funds are subject to market fluctuations.
Credit Risk: Debt funds carry the risk of default by issuers.
Interest Rate Risk: Changes in interest rates affect debt fund returns.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
A SIP allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. It’s a disciplined way to invest and averages out the cost of investment. Considering your monthly savings, you can allocate Rs 1.7 lakhs across different SIPs:

Equity Funds: Allocate a significant portion here for long-term growth.
Debt Funds: Allocate a smaller portion for stability.
Hybrid Funds: Balance the rest between equity and debt.
Direct vs. Regular Mutual Funds
You might consider direct funds, but they have disadvantages. Direct funds require you to choose and manage funds yourself. This can be challenging without expertise. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential has benefits:

Expert Guidance: CFPs provide personalized advice.
Regular Monitoring: Your portfolio is regularly reviewed and rebalanced.
Convenience: CFPs handle paperwork and transactions.
Avoiding Index Funds
Index funds track a market index and offer lower fees but also lower returns. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, aim to outperform the market through skilled management. Here’s why actively managed funds might be better:

Potential for Higher Returns: Fund managers can capitalize on market opportunities.
Flexibility: Managers can adjust the portfolio in response to market conditions.
Stocks
Investing in individual stocks can be rewarding but also risky. Given your age, you can allocate a portion of your portfolio to stocks for higher returns. However, stock picking requires research and understanding of the market.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a long-term savings scheme with tax benefits. It’s a safe investment with decent returns. You can allocate a portion of your savings here for stability and tax benefits.

National Pension System (NPS)
NPS is designed for retirement savings. It offers tax benefits and a mix of equity and debt exposure. It’s a good option for long-term retirement planning.

Gold
Gold is a good hedge against inflation. You can invest in gold through Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB) or gold mutual funds. It’s a safe investment but should be a smaller part of your portfolio.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equal to 6-12 months of your expenses. This fund should be easily accessible and kept in a savings account or liquid fund.

Insurance
Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance. This protects you and your family from unforeseen events.

Reviewing and Rebalancing
Regularly review your portfolio. Rebalance it based on market conditions and your goals. This ensures your investments stay aligned with your risk tolerance and objectives.

Long-Term Perspective
Investing is a long-term game. Be patient and avoid reacting to short-term market fluctuations. Stick to your plan and keep investing regularly.

Final Insights
You’re on a great path with your savings and financial discipline. By diversifying your investments and staying focused on your goals, you can build a substantial corpus over time. Remember, investing is not about timing the market but time in the market. Consistent and disciplined investing will yield the best results.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...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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