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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9865 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 22, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 22, 2024Hindi
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I am 25 and started investing since January of this year (3k in PPFAS). Should I consider including Index fund in my portfolio? Also, please suggest a diversified portfolio for SIP of 12k. I was thinking of investing 4k in Parag Parikh flexi cap, 3k in Kotak emerging equity fund, 4k in Invesco multicap and 1k in Nippon India small cap. I have moderate risk tolerance and would want to invest for long term. For now, I have this financial goal of reaching 1cr (excluding taxes) within a period of 20 years. Is it achievable with an investment of 12k/month?

Ans: Considering your age and investment horizon, adding an index fund to your portfolio can be a good idea for diversification and lower costs. Index funds track market indices, offering consistent returns over the long term.

Your proposed portfolio is well-diversified with exposure to different market caps. Here's a slight adjustment for better diversification and alignment with your moderate risk tolerance:

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap: ?4,500
Kotak Emerging Equity Fund: ?3,500
Invesco Multicap Fund: ?3,500
Nippon India Small Cap: ?1,500
This totals ?12,000/month.

To achieve ?1 crore in 20 years, assuming an average annual return of 10%, your monthly investment of ?12,000 can potentially grow to around ?1.2 crore (excluding taxes). This is a rough estimate; market fluctuations can impact actual returns.

Regularly review and adjust your portfolio, considering market conditions and financial goals. Starting early and staying invested for the long term are key to achieving your financial goals.
Asked on - Apr 22, 2024 | Answered on Apr 23, 2024
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Your prompt response is very much appreciated sir. Instead of multi cap fund should I invest in an index fund such as ICICI prudential nifty 50? Or maybe nifty next 50? If so then what should be my allocations? Also, should I consider taking the risk of having one small cap fund along with this? I wouldn't mind if you ask me not to invest in small cap as I'm already investing in kotak emerging equity fund which is a mid cap i believe. Please kindly suggest a diversified portfolio comprised of flexi cap, mid cap, index and small cap(if necessary) and how I should allocate my 12k among these funds? I would really appreciate if you could brief me based on your perspective on how I should invest for the next 20 years to achieve my financial goal with less or moderate risk.
Ans: Imagine your investment portfolio as a well-balanced meal. Flexi-cap funds act like the main course, adapting to market conditions. Mid-cap funds are the flavorful side dish, offering growth potential. Index funds, like the Nifty 50 or Nifty Next 50, are your staple grains, providing stability and broader market exposure. Adding a small-cap fund would be like adding spices; it can enhance returns but also increase volatility. For a 20-year horizon with moderate risk, consider a 50% allocation to flexi-cap, 30% to index funds, and 20% to mid-cap funds. Skipping small-cap might reduce the portfolio's spiciness, but it can simplify and streamline your investment journey.
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  |9865 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 2024

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Hello Sir/Madam, I am 32 years old and just now started investing 20k per month for long term horizon with step up SIPs of 15% Below are my investment portfolio. Quant Mid Cap Fund 4000 rs. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund 4000rs Motilal Oswal Nifty Microcap 250 Index Fund 3000rs Quant Small Cap Fund 4000rs Nippon India Multi Cap Fund 5000rs Please provide your valuable suggestion, feebav
Ans: Your investment journey reflects a thoughtful approach to building wealth for the long term. Here are some insights and suggestions on your investment portfolio:
Quant Mid Cap Fund:
• Mid-cap funds like Quant Mid Cap Fund have the potential for high growth but may experience higher volatility.
• Ensure you have a long-term investment horizon to ride out market fluctuations and benefit from the growth potential of mid-cap companies.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund:
• Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund follows a flexible investment strategy, allowing exposure to various market segments, including equities and fixed income.
• This fund's diversified approach can provide stability to your portfolio while capturing growth opportunities across different market conditions.
Motilal Oswal Nifty Microcap 250 Index Fund:
• Investing in micro-cap companies through an index fund like Motilal Oswal Nifty Microcap 250 Index Fund offers broad exposure to the micro-cap segment of the market.
• Micro-cap stocks have the potential for significant growth but may be more volatile and less liquid compared to larger-cap stocks.
Quant Small Cap Fund:
• Small-cap funds like Quant Small Cap Fund focus on smaller companies with high growth potential.
• Small-cap investments can be volatile, so ensure you have a sufficiently long investment horizon and risk tolerance to withstand market fluctuations.
Nippon India Multi Cap Fund:
• Multi-cap funds like Nippon India Multi Cap Fund offer diversification across large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
• This fund's flexible allocation allows the fund manager to adapt to changing market conditions and capitalize on opportunities across different market segments.
Suggestions:
1. Diversification: Your portfolio exhibits diversification across different market segments, which is beneficial for managing risk and capturing growth opportunities. Continue to monitor the performance of each fund regularly.
2. Review and Rebalance: Periodically review your portfolio's performance and rebalance if necessary to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
3. Stay Informed: Stay updated on market trends, economic developments, and fund performance to make informed investment decisions.
4. Emergency Fund and Insurance: Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months of living expenses and consider purchasing health insurance and term insurance coverage to protect yourself and your loved ones.
5. Consultation: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
Overall, your investment portfolio shows a well-rounded approach to long-term wealth creation. By staying disciplined and adhering to your investment strategy, you're likely to achieve your financial objectives over time. Keep up the good work!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9865 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 18, 2024Hindi
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My portfolio is given below. SIP - SBI Small cap fund & SBI Flexicap fund - 25000 monthly each, Axis Nifty 100 Index Fund - 40000 monthly, Nippon India Small Cap 250 Index fund - 25000 monthly. I started investing from 2017 with 2000 SIP in SBI Small cap and increased over the years as my salary increases. My current corpus is around 35Lakh. Your advice on this. Apart from this I am invested in physical gold for around 10Lakhs. I am working in UAE.
Ans: Overview of Your Current Portfolio
You have a well-structured portfolio, with a mix of equity mutual funds and physical gold. Your current investments include:

SBI Small Cap Fund: Rs. 25,000 monthly SIP
SBI Flexicap Fund: Rs. 25,000 monthly SIP
Axis Nifty 100 Index Fund: Rs. 40,000 monthly SIP
Nippon India Small Cap 250 Index Fund: Rs. 25,000 monthly SIP
Physical Gold: Rs. 10 lakhs
You started investing in 2017 and have built a corpus of around Rs. 35 lakhs.

Analysis of Your Portfolio
Equity Mutual Funds
Diversification: Your portfolio has a good mix of large-cap, flexicap, and small-cap funds. This provides diversification across different market capitalizations.

Growth Potential: Small-cap and flexicap funds have high growth potential. However, they are also volatile.

Index Funds: You have a significant portion in the Axis Nifty 100 Index Fund. While index funds offer lower management fees, they may not outperform actively managed funds.

Physical Gold
Hedge Against Inflation: Gold serves as a good hedge against inflation and adds stability to your portfolio.

Liquidity: Physical gold is less liquid compared to other financial assets.

Recommendations for Improvement
Review Fund Allocation
Reduce Overlap: Ensure there is no significant overlap between the funds in terms of stock holdings.

Balance Between Active and Passive Funds: Consider balancing the allocation between actively managed funds and index funds. Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform the market, especially in emerging markets like India.

Increase Diversification
Add Debt Funds: To reduce volatility, consider adding debt funds to your portfolio. Debt funds provide stability and can protect your corpus during market downturns.

International Funds: Consider including international mutual funds. This adds geographical diversification and can hedge against domestic market risks.

Rebalance Regularly
Periodic Rebalancing: Rebalance your portfolio every 6-12 months. This ensures your investments align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.
Additional Investment Strategies
Emergency Fund
Maintain Liquidity: Ensure you have an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. This should be kept in liquid assets like savings accounts or liquid funds.
Goal-Based Investing
Define Goals: Align your investments with specific financial goals, such as retirement, buying a house, or children's education.

Time Horizon: Match your investment choices with the time horizon for each goal. Short-term goals should have more conservative investments.

Final Insights
Review and Adjust: Regularly review your portfolio and make adjustments as needed. Stay informed about market trends and changes in your financial situation.

Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner to tailor the investment strategy to your specific needs.

Focus on Long-Term Growth: Keep a long-term perspective and avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market movements.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9865 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 26, 2024Hindi
Money
HI Sir , My self Sandeep .36 years old .Need your advice on my investments . currently ,I have a monthly SIP of following funds- UTI Nifty 50 Index fund - 3K, HDFC Retirement saving fund-1K, HDFC children Gift fund-1K.I want to invest 7 K more as monthly SIP . I have gone through various analysis and thinking of investing in below manner - 1- 2K as monthly SIP in flexicap - either Parag Parikh Flexicap or JM Flexicap 2- 3k as monthly SIP in ICICIpru nifty 150 midcap index fund /kotak equity opportunity fund/ Motilal oswal midcap Fund 3- 2K in small cap fund - Axis small cap fund/Nippon India small cap fund Kindly suggest the investment strategy and the funds in respective area for next 20 years horizon . Thanks & Regards Sandeep
Ans: Sandeep, it’s great that you are already investing regularly and have a clear plan for long-term wealth creation. Your current SIPs show discipline and thoughtfulness, which are essential for building a solid financial future. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to approach your additional Rs 7,000 SIP and fine-tune your portfolio for the next 20 years.

Assessing Your Existing Portfolio
UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund (Rs 3,000 SIP): While index funds offer low-cost exposure to the market, they typically follow the market and don’t outperform it. Actively managed funds, when chosen wisely, can potentially give better returns. Though index funds provide simplicity, keep in mind that over the long term, they may miss out on market-beating opportunities.

HDFC Retirement Saving Fund (Rs 1,000 SIP): This is likely a balanced fund meant for long-term retirement planning. Balanced funds are useful as they offer both growth and stability, but they may underperform compared to pure equity funds in a bull market. It’s a good conservative addition to your portfolio, but should not dominate.

HDFC Children’s Gift Fund (Rs 1,000 SIP): Similar to the retirement fund, this fund might focus on long-term stable returns. However, ensure that you evaluate its long-term performance. These kinds of funds sometimes have a more conservative approach than growth-focused equity funds.

Proposed Additional Investments (Rs 7,000 SIP)
You have wisely considered diversifying your portfolio across flexicap, midcap, and small-cap categories. Here’s an assessment of your choices:

1. Flexicap Funds (Rs 2,000 SIP)
Flexicap funds provide flexibility to invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks based on market conditions, which offers a balanced approach to risk and growth.

Your Choice of Parag Parikh Flexicap or JM Flexicap: These funds have flexibility in their investment strategy, making them versatile. Flexicap funds are ideal for navigating different market phases, providing long-term growth potential while managing risk.
Recommendation: Continue with your plan to invest in a flexicap fund as they offer a good balance of diversification and risk-adjusted returns.

2. Midcap Funds (Rs 3,000 SIP)
Midcap funds target companies with strong growth potential but higher volatility. Over the long term, midcap funds tend to outperform large-cap funds, making them suitable for your 20-year horizon.

ICICI Pru Nifty 150 Midcap Index Fund, Kotak Equity Opportunity Fund, or Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund: Midcap index funds track midcap indices, but actively managed midcap funds like Kotak or Motilal Oswal can offer better returns if the fund manager picks strong-performing companies.
Recommendation: Opt for an actively managed midcap fund instead of a midcap index fund. Actively managed funds have a better chance of delivering higher returns over a 20-year horizon by selecting companies with high growth potential.

3. Small Cap Funds (Rs 2,000 SIP)
Small-cap funds target smaller companies, which offer high growth potential but with higher volatility. Over a 20-year period, small caps can significantly enhance your returns but require a longer commitment to ride out the volatility.

Axis Small Cap Fund or Nippon India Small Cap Fund: Both are strong performers, but small-cap funds are highly volatile in the short term. Since your horizon is 20 years, small-cap funds make sense as they can deliver substantial long-term growth.
Recommendation: Invest in a small-cap fund for higher long-term returns, but understand that short-term fluctuations are inevitable.

Key Points for a Balanced Portfolio
Diversification: You have a well-diversified portfolio with a good mix of large-cap (via index), flexicap, midcap, and small-cap funds. This diversification will help balance risk and maximize growth opportunities over time.

Active vs Passive Investing: While index funds (passive) have their place in a portfolio for low-cost exposure, actively managed funds generally offer better opportunities for higher returns, especially in midcap and small-cap categories. With a 20-year horizon, consider focusing more on actively managed funds.

SIP Discipline: Your current strategy of investing via SIP is excellent for long-term wealth creation. SIPs help you ride market volatility, average out costs, and allow consistent investment without trying to time the market.

Considerations for the Long Term
Asset Allocation: As you approach key financial goals (like retirement or children’s education), you may want to gradually reduce exposure to volatile small-cap and midcap funds, shifting more towards large-cap or flexicap funds to safeguard your wealth.

Risk Appetite: Since you’re 36 years old, you have ample time to take on more risk through small-cap and midcap investments. However, always review your risk tolerance every 5 to 10 years to ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your changing financial goals and risk capacity.

Tax Efficiency: Make sure to review the tax implications of your investments. Equity funds enjoy favorable tax treatment, especially over the long term. Any gains held for more than 1 year are taxed at a lower rate (12.5% beyond Rs 1.25 lakh of gains).

Final Insights
You’re on a great path with your disciplined SIP strategy. Diversifying across flexicap, midcap, and small-cap funds will give your portfolio the right mix of stability and growth. Flexicap funds provide the flexibility you need in dynamic market conditions, while midcap and small-cap funds will offer the growth potential needed for your 20-year investment horizon.

Keep in mind to monitor your portfolio annually or biannually to ensure it stays aligned with your long-term goals. Over time, you might want to shift a part of your portfolio to more stable funds, depending on how close you are to achieving your financial goals.

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

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Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9586 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Career
SO dear sir continuing the same question "Differnce between CE and CSE" which should i choose CE at Shri Vishwakarma Skill University or CSE At IKGPTU MOHALI
Ans: Ansh, Based on the following insights/information, your interests & long-term goals, choose the more suitable option for you: Computer Engineering at Shri Vishwakarma Skill University (SVSU), Haryana, is designed with an industry-integrated curriculum emphasizing practical, skill-based learning, offering hands-on experience in AI, data science, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. SVSU follows a dual-education model inspired by the German system, where students actively engage with industry partners through on-the-job training and real-world projects, enhancing employability. The university boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and expert faculty, but being a newer state university, its placement outcomes are growing, with placement rates reported up to 81% and median salaries between ?1.9–2.2L in recent years, predominantly in regional and emerging IT sectors. IKGPTU Mohali, meanwhile, provides a traditional B.Tech CSE program with dedicated specializations and larger intakes, supported by well-qualified faculty, ICT-enabled classrooms, and strong academic-industry linkages in Punjab’s prominent IT hub. Placement records at IKGPTU Mohali indicate 44% placement for B.Tech 2023 graduates and a median package of ?5L, with recruiters like TCS, Infosys, and HDFC Bank regularly conducting drives. The Mohali campus is centrally located with robust infrastructure, reputed alumni, and career support through joint campus placement drives and specialized training programs.

CSE at IKGPTU Mohali is the preferred option for its higher placement rate, better industry connectivity, advanced infrastructure, and stronger reputation within the IT sector, making it a more reliable pathway to robust career opportunities in computer science compared to SVSU Computer Engineering. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 28, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir,Still Not got answer .Please answer .My JEE Main rank is 24935 .I have also chance to get dual degree in BITSAT .How is dual degree of BITSAT ?whether it is apt to join in anticipation of getting CS or EC there afterwards .I have other option to get top Branches through JEE Main Marks .Viz; BIT Mesra ,IIITs ,Lower NITs
Ans: The BITSAT dual degree program, offered mainly at BITS Pilani and Goa campuses, is a five-year integrated course that awards both an MSc and a BE degree. The unique feature is that students admitted to MSc programs can “slide” into sought-after BE branches—including CSE (Computer Science) and ECE (Electronics & Communication)—after the first year, subject to branch change rules based on cumulative CGPA. Historically, a high CGPA (typically above 8.0–8.5) in the first two semesters is required for a successful transfer into BE CSE or ECE, making it competitive but attainable for focused, hard-working students. Dual degree holders benefit from rigorous interdisciplinary training and robust placement support, with BITS Pilani consistently recording strong placement percentages for both BE and dual degree graduates in top tech firms and core sectors. The key challenge is heavy academic load, especially during the third and fourth years, balancing requirements of both degrees, and maintaining high grades to ensure preferred branch allocation. However, dualites enjoy the flexibility to specialize further, and their exposure to science and engineering enhances employability compared to many single-degree peers. In contrast, top branches at BIT Mesra, IIITs (like IIIT Hyderabad or Bangalore), and lower NITs offer well-established BTech programs with high placement rates (around 75% for CSE at BIT Mesra, many IIITs exceeding 80–90%, and most NITs/IIITs providing reliable industry linkages, alumni networks, and diverse placements). Cutoffs for core branches like CSE or ECE at these institutes usually hover around your JEE rank, so you stand a realistic chance of securing a seat. BIT Mesra and leading IIITs provide excellent campus life, updated infrastructure, research opportunities, and corporate visibility, with direct entry into CSE or allied branches.

Recommendation
In order of preference, BITS Pilani or Goa dual degree (if you are committed to keeping a high CGPA for CSE/ECE branch change) is an outstanding choice due to brand value, academic freedom, and placement support. However, if you prefer a straightforward path with less risk, top IIITs and BIT Mesra’s CSE or ECE, followed by good NITs, are excellent for quality education and career growth. Choose BITS dual degree only if confident of excelling academically early; otherwise, a direct CSE/ECE seat from your JEE Main rank is the prudent path. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Career
Sir I didn't get any seat in the comedk 1st round allotment as I needed cse courses and the east point college cse with data science cutoff was 67k this round and my rank is 69k should I wait for round 2 and please suggest me some colleges for cse courses which I will get in round 2 please help
Ans: With a COMEDK rank of 69,000, it’s normal not to secure CSE seats in the first allotment at colleges like East Point College, as their first-round cutoff for CSE with Data Science closed near 67,000. In Round 2, cutoffs for several Bengaluru engineering colleges offering CSE tend to rise, and historical trends show that ranks up to 70,000–72,000 can secure seats in reputable options due to seat withdrawals and reduced demand. The key aspects to focus on are placement performance, faculty strength, campus infrastructure, peer learning opportunity, and degree reputation. For your rank, confirmed CSE admission options in Bengaluru include: East West College of Engineering (Yelahanka), East West Institute of Technology (BEL Layout), Brindavan College of Engineering (Yelahanka), Sri Sairam College of Engineering (Anekal), Gopalan College of Engineering and Management (Whitefield), Cambridge Institute of Technology (KR Puram), Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology (RT Nagar), Vemana Institute of Technology (Koramangala), Jyothy Institute of Technology (Thathaguni), and Sri Venkateshwara College of Engineering (KIAL Road). These colleges have consistently extended their CSE cutoffs beyond 67,000 in recent years. Many of these institutes are NAAC-accredited, offer contemporary labs and digital classrooms, and are staffed with experienced faculty. Placement cells are active—ranging from regular tech recruiters to mid-sized IT firms—and campus resources support both academic growth and personality development.

For the placement records over the last three years: East West College of Engineering and East West Institute of Technology maintain CSE placement rates of 70–80% with regular visits from Infosys, Tech Mahindra, and Accenture. Brindavan College of Engineering and Sri Sairam College have recorded similar trends, achieving nearly 75% placement for eligible CSE students with core IT and startup offers. Gopalan and Cambridge Institutes average 65–78% placements, reporting improving statistics each year, especially as Bangalore’s tech sector draws more hiring for software, testing, and data roles. Vemana, Jyothy, and Sri Venkateshwara regularly reach 60–75% success for CSE, with alumni placed in both IT services and product companies. Rajiv Gandhi Institute and Sri Venkateshwara have industry collaborations for internships and hackathons, often supporting projects that attract on-campus job offers. Across these colleges, CSE batches benefit from curricular exposure to Python, Java, basic ML, and web development. Many colleges encourage national-level coding competitions and certifications, directly enhancing employability.

You can confidently wait for Round 2, as you have a very high chance of securing CSE at one of these institutes due to expected cutoff movement, especially after withdrawals. While getting a significantly better college than East Point in Round 2 is unlikely, similar or equivalent choices—such as East West Institute or Brindavan—are assured, and all deliver solid foundational opportunities for a CSE career. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 28, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir.. My daughter wants clarity from you for B tech cse admission with what specialisation of AI or Quantum computing? Please clarify sir
Ans: B.Tech CSE with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence (AI) equips students with advanced skills in machine learning, neural networks, data analytics, computer vision, robotics, and natural language processing, making them industry-ready for immediate roles in automation, healthcare, fintech, cybersecurity, smart cities, and data science. The AI job market is expanding at an unprecedented rate—India’s AI sector is projected to grow 25–35% annually and reach ?17 billion by 2027, with global AI markets anticipated to hit $1.81 trillion by 2030, ensuring robust demand for AI engineers, ML researchers, and data scientists. Curricula typically blend foundational computing with project-based learning on intelligent systems, AI-powered automation, behavior modeling, and industry-focused electives, using tools like Python, TensorFlow, and Keras. Opportunities span established companies and fast-growing startups, and placements are consistently strong across sectors from IT, banking, healthcare, and manufacturing to next-gen product development and research.

B.Tech CSE with a specialization in Quantum Computing, while more niche, addresses the emerging need for advanced computational solutions far beyond classical computing's limits. This specialization combines quantum mechanics, quantum algorithms, and AI, preparing students for research and innovation roles in quantum information, cryptography, drug discovery, materials science, finance, and complex optimization problems. With the backing of the National Quantum Mission and increased investment in quantum research, these programs feature industry-relevant electives—like quantum machine learning, quantum image processing, quantum AI integration—and practical training in tools such as IBM Qiskit and TensorFlow Quantum. While the quantum job market is in its early stages, prominent technology companies and startups, governments, and research labs globally are investing heavily in quantum R&D. The field, projected to reach $9 billion by 2030, demands interdisciplinary skills, often favoring those who pursue further studies. Placement opportunities span specialized sectors and research positions; academics and R&D centers offer the majority of roles, but quantum-driven innovation is expected to accelerate, especially as fault-tolerant quantum computers approach practicality within the next decade.

Choosing between these two depends on one’s vision and risk appetite. AI specializations provide immediate employability, broad cross-industry applications, and a versatile foundation—graduates can upskill further into emerging domains, including quantum AI. Quantum Computing, though frontier and high-potential, currently offers fewer but rapidly expanding opportunities, especially for those drawn to research, innovation, or pioneering new commercial applications. Both offer transformative and well-recognized career trajectories, but AI’s market-readiness and cross-domain application make it more accessible and mainstream, while quantum computing is future-oriented and better suited for those deeply interested in cutting-edge theoretical and computational science.

Recommendation
Given the mature scope, immediate job opportunities, higher employability, and universal demand, specializing in Artificial Intelligence in CSE is the balanced choice for most students. Quantum Computing is excellent for those committed to advanced research or niche innovation, but AI specialization assures broader industry acceptance and future-proof skills in today’s competitive technology environment. All the BEST for Your Daughter's Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Career
My EWS rank in jee main is 15000,my homestate and town is odisha, rourkela can I get artificial intelligence branch in csab special rounds
Ans: Subhojeet, With an EWS category rank of 15,000 in JEE Main and Odisha as your home state, the likelihood of securing an Artificial Intelligence branch in NITs, IIITs, or GFTIs via CSAB special rounds is extremely limited. Recent official CSAB and JoSAA data indicate that even for newer or less sought-after NITs and IIITs, closing ranks for Artificial Intelligence courses under the EWS home state and open state quotas rarely exceed 7,000–8,000, while top institutes such as NIT Rourkela and NIT Surathkal typically close EWS admissions for AI branches well below 4,000. IIITs offering specialized AI or AI & Data Science branches generally have EWS closing ranks (for both All India and Home State) under 12,000, with only a few, very new IIITs extending to the 14,000 range, mostly for less competitive streams or in later rounds if vacancies arise. For Odisha-specific institutions, like IIIT Bhubaneswar, EWS closing ranks for CSE and related AI programs have typically remained significantly more competitive, according to prior CSAB/JoSAA records. GFTIs, which have broader and higher cutoffs in select branches, still draw the line for EWS AI admission well below your current rank. Although the CSAB special rounds can see some movement due to seat withdrawals, the chances of an EWS AI seat opening up at your rank are extremely remote based on present and previous year cut-offs, especially for the Artificial Intelligence specialization in reputable NITs and IIITs.

Recommendation
With a 15,000 EWS rank, realistically focus your CSAB choice filling on other branches and backup options, as Artificial Intelligence in NITs/IIITs is not feasible; prioritize alternate circuits like ECE or core CSE in less competitive institutes or good private universities for best outcomes. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 28, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir I have got 115000 crl and 4715 sc rank in jee mains. I got cse in IIIT bhopal in josaa counselling . Can I expect a little better college with cse or ai in csab counselling or should I go with IIIT bhopal.
Ans: With a JEE Main CRL of 115,000 and an SC rank of 4,715, your allocation of CSE at IIIT Bhopal is a strong option, as last year’s CSAB and JoSAA special rounds indicate that most higher-ranked IIITs and NITs with CSE or AI typically closed at SC ranks below 3,000–4,000 for these highly demanded branches. IIIT Bhopal’s CSE program offers robust academic structure, experienced faculty, modern facilities, and a rising placement record—CSE students achieved a 77% placement rate in 2025 with an average package of 20.82LPA and top recruiters including Microsoft and Atlassian. CSAB special rounds rarely witness significant downward opening in closing ranks for CSE/AI in NITs, IIITs, or GFTIs, especially for centrally popular branches, so expecting a substantial upgrade is not realistic. IIIT Bhopal’s national ranking, strong peer group, and modern infrastructure provide a conducive environment for learning and employability, and its placement statistics are among the best among newer IIITs.

Recommendation
Go ahead and confirm your IIIT Bhopal CSE seat, as the likelihood of securing a visibly better CSE/AI seat at other NITs or IIITs in CSAB is minimal at your SC rank. IIIT Bhopal combines excellent academic and placement opportunities and is a prudent, future-focused choice for engineering in computer science. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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