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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2025

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 - May 24, 2025
Money

Hi Sir, I am 33 years old Home loan , due amount 20 lacs and tenure left 4 years, Shop loan , due amount 63 lacs and tenure left 6 years Plot loan , due amount 10 lacs and tenure left 2 years. Mf investment 12 lacs Pf 30 lacs My inhand salary us 3lacs pm. Pkz suggest shouk I now focus on investing in equities or pre pay loan.

Ans: Your proactive approach to managing your finances is commendable. Let's delve into a comprehensive strategy to address your loan obligations and investment considerations.

Current Financial Overview
Age: 33 years

Monthly In-hand Salary: Rs. 3,00,000

Outstanding Loans:

Home Loan: Rs. 20 lakhs (4 years remaining)

Shop Loan: Rs. 63 lakhs (6 years remaining)

Plot Loan: Rs. 10 lakhs (2 years remaining)

Investments:

Mutual Funds: Rs. 12 lakhs

Provident Fund: Rs. 30 lakhs

Assessing Loan Repayment vs. Investment
Balancing loan repayment and investments requires a strategic approach. Let's evaluate both options.

1. Loan Repayment Considerations
Interest Rates: Higher interest rates on loans can erode wealth over time.

Debt Burden: Reducing outstanding loans decreases financial liabilities and monthly obligations.

Psychological Relief: Being debt-free can provide peace of mind and financial freedom.

Investment Considerations
Potential Returns: Investments, especially in equities, can offer higher returns over the long term.

Liquidity: Investments can be liquidated in emergencies, providing financial flexibility.

Wealth Accumulation: Consistent investments contribute to long-term wealth creation.

Strategic Recommendations
A balanced approach can help you manage debts while growing your wealth.

1. Prioritize High-Interest Loans
Plot Loan: With only 2 years remaining, consider allocating surplus funds to repay this loan early.

Shop Loan: Given its substantial amount, explore options to refinance at a lower interest rate or make partial prepayments to reduce the principal.

2. Maintain Regular Investments
Mutual Funds: Continue your SIPs to benefit from rupee cost averaging and compounding.

Provident Fund: Ensure consistent contributions to leverage tax benefits and secure retirement funds.

3. Emergency Fund
Liquidity: Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6 months of expenses to handle unforeseen circumstances.

4. Insurance Coverage
Life Insurance: Ensure adequate coverage to protect your family's financial future.

Health Insurance: Verify that your health insurance covers all family members adequately.

Final Insights
Balancing loan repayments with investments is crucial for financial stability. Prioritize repaying high-interest loans while maintaining regular investments. Ensure adequate insurance coverage and maintain an emergency fund. Regularly review your financial plan to adapt to changing circumstances.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 13, 2024Hindi
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Money
I am 39 years old earning a monthly salary of 1.20 Lakhs. My investment as on date is PF of Rs. 18 Lakhs, Mutual funds Rs.19 Lakh and Shares of Rs. 8 Lakh. I have covered myself with endowment policy of Rs. 13 Lakhs. I also have a home loan of Rs.75 Lakhs and the repayment will start from Oct 2025. I have covered my life against the loan availed with a term insurance. It’s an under construction flat. Currently I am investing 40k in SIP and 5k in Vol PF. My daughter is 9 years old and in 5th standard. I have 21 years of service left. I am looking for a corpus of 1.5 to 3 crore in the next 5 years and also to close my loan in the next 15 years. At the age of 60 I must be debt free and earning monthly income of at least a Lakh. Please advice. My wife 33 years is also employed she is also earning Rs. 90k per month.
Ans: Crafting a Comprehensive Financial Plan
You've laid out some clear objectives for your financial future, and I'm here to help you navigate the path towards achieving them.

Current Financial Snapshot
Assets
You've made significant investments in PF, mutual funds, and shares, providing a solid foundation for wealth accumulation.

Liabilities
Your home loan presents a sizable debt, but with a structured plan, it can be managed effectively.

Retirement Planning
Corpus Target
Your goal of building a corpus of ?1.5 to ?3 crore in the next 5 years is ambitious yet attainable with disciplined saving and strategic investing.

Investment Strategy
Consider diversifying your investment portfolio further to optimize returns while managing risk effectively.

Loan Repayment Strategy
Loan Closure
Targeting to close your home loan in the next 15 years is a prudent approach to achieving debt-free status by age 60.

Accelerated Payments
Explore options to increase your EMI payments or make lump-sum prepayments whenever possible to reduce the loan tenure and interest burden.

Income Generation
Monthly Income Goal
Aiming for a monthly income of at least ?1 lakh by age 60 requires careful planning and investment in income-generating assets.

Dividend Income
Consider investing in dividend-paying stocks or mutual funds to supplement your income stream.

Education Planning
Daughter's Education
With 21 years of service left, prioritize investing in education funds or SIPs to secure your daughter's future educational needs.

Insurance Coverage
Ensure adequate life and health insurance coverage for yourself and your family to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances.

Collaborative Financial Management
Spousal Contribution
Leverage your wife's income to boost your joint savings and investment efforts, enhancing your financial security collectively.

Joint Planning
Work together to align your financial goals, investments, and savings strategies, maximizing efficiency and effectiveness.

Conclusion
With a well-crafted financial plan tailored to your aspirations and circumstances, you can confidently work towards achieving your goals of wealth accumulation, debt freedom, and financial security for yourself and your family.

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 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 25, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello sir, Hope your are doing good, I'm 30 year , Earn 80k/ Per month in hand ,single, Having car loan of 12 Lakhs which started this month paying 22k in that, Having stock of Rs 5 lakhs. PF of 1 lakhs , Pls suggest - 1. From next month plan to start sip of 15k which is best to invest , I've shortlisted IN SMALL CAP - Quant , Nippon In TAX SAVER- Quant, bandhan, parag parikh In MID CAP - HDFC mid opportunity fund. Which one to go or you can add to make Portfolio balance. 2. In 80C which is best investment to add like I'm doing SIP I can go for ELSS or else ? 3. Planning to retire at 50/55 with corpus of 10 to 12 cr is it possible?
Ans: I hope you're doing well! You've got a good income and are thinking ahead about your investments and retirement. It's great to see you're planning early. Let's dive into your questions and build a comprehensive strategy for you.

Understanding Your Financial Situation
At 30 years old, you earn Rs 80,000 per month and have a car loan of Rs 12 lakhs with an EMI of Rs 22,000. You also have Rs 5 lakhs in stocks and Rs 1 lakh in your Provident Fund (PF). Planning to start a SIP of Rs 15,000 from next month is a smart move.

Setting Clear Financial Goals
Retirement Planning: You want to retire at 50-55 with a corpus of Rs 10-12 crores. This is achievable with disciplined investing.

Tax Savings: You are interested in tax-saving options under Section 80C.

Building a Balanced Portfolio: You’ve shortlisted funds in small cap, tax saver, and mid cap categories.

SIP Investment Strategy
Investing Rs 15,000 monthly in SIPs is a great way to build wealth. Let's discuss your selected funds and how to balance your portfolio.

Small Cap Funds
You’ve shortlisted Quant and Nippon for small cap investments. Small cap funds can provide high returns but come with high risk. Since you're young, you can afford to take some risks for higher growth.

Considerations:

High Risk, High Reward: Small cap funds can be volatile but offer significant growth potential.
Long-term Investment: Best to hold for at least 5-7 years to ride out market volatility.
Tax Saver (ELSS) Funds
You’ve shortlisted Quant, Bandhan, and Parag Parikh for tax-saving investments. ELSS funds are great for tax benefits and wealth creation.

Considerations:

Tax Benefits: Investments up to Rs 1.5 lakhs in ELSS are eligible for tax deduction under Section 80C.
Lock-in Period: ELSS funds have a 3-year lock-in period, which is the shortest among tax-saving options.
Mid Cap Funds
You’ve chosen HDFC Mid Opportunity Fund. Mid cap funds balance risk and return well, offering more stability than small caps with better returns than large caps.

Considerations:

Balanced Growth: Mid caps provide a good balance of risk and reward.
Holding Period: Aim for a 5-7 year horizon for optimal returns.
Balancing Your Portfolio
For a balanced portfolio, diversification is key. Here’s a suggested allocation:

Small Cap Funds: Allocate 40% (Rs 6,000) to small cap funds. They offer high growth potential but come with higher risk.

Mid Cap Funds: Allocate 30% (Rs 4,500) to mid cap funds. They provide a balance between growth and risk.

Tax Saver (ELSS) Funds: Allocate 30% (Rs 4,500) to ELSS funds. They offer tax benefits and potential for long-term growth.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds, managed by professional fund managers, aim to outperform the market. Though they come with higher fees, they potentially offer better returns than index funds, which merely track the market.

Benefits of Investing Through an MFD with CFP Credential
Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) who is also a CFP can be highly beneficial:

Personalized Advice: A CFP can provide tailored advice based on your financial goals and risk appetite.

Professional Management: Regular funds managed by professionals adapt to market conditions better than direct funds.

Ongoing Support: Continuous monitoring and adjustments keep your investments aligned with your goals.

Tax Saving Investments Under Section 80C
Besides ELSS funds, here are other Section 80C investment options:

Public Provident Fund (PPF): A safe, government-backed option with attractive returns and tax benefits.

National Savings Certificate (NSC): A fixed-income investment with a 5-year maturity and tax benefits.

Employee Provident Fund (EPF): Contributions to EPF also qualify for tax deductions.

Planning for Retirement
Your goal of retiring with a corpus of Rs 10-12 crores is ambitious but achievable. Here’s how you can plan:

Consistent SIPs: Continue investing Rs 15,000 monthly in diversified SIPs.

Increase Investments: As your income grows, increase your SIP contributions to accelerate wealth creation.

Regular Monitoring: Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Evaluating Term Insurance
Term insurance is essential for financial protection. Here’s why:

Financial Security: It provides a financial safety net for your family in case of unforeseen events.

Affordability: Term insurance is cost-effective, offering high coverage at low premiums.

Coverage Duration: Choose a policy that covers you until at least 60-65 years of age, ensuring protection during your working years.

Selecting the Right Term Insurance Provider
Both HDFC and Max Life offer good term insurance plans. Consider the following:

Claim Settlement Ratio: A higher ratio indicates better reliability in settling claims.

Premium Costs: Compare the premiums and choose one that fits your budget.

Additional Benefits: Look for policies offering additional riders like critical illness or accidental death cover.


Your proactive approach to financial planning is impressive. Taking steps early to secure your financial future shows great foresight and responsibility.

I understand the importance of your goals. Retirement, tax savings, and a balanced portfolio are critical for long-term financial security. Your dedication to planning is truly commendable.

Final Insights
Investing Rs 15,000 monthly in SIPs across small cap, mid cap, and ELSS funds is a solid strategy. Diversifying your investments ensures balanced growth and risk management. Actively managed funds offer better potential returns, making them a preferable choice over index funds.

A CFP can provide valuable insights and personalized advice, ensuring your investments align with your goals. Additionally, term insurance is crucial for financial protection. Choose a policy with sufficient coverage, ideally till your retirement age. Regularly monitor and rebalance your portfolio to stay on track.

Your commitment to financial planning is praiseworthy, and with the right strategy, you can achieve your goals.

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 11, 2024

Money
Hello sir, Hope your are doing good, I'm 30 year , Earn 80k/ Per month in hand ,single, Having car loan of 12 Lakhs which started this month paying 22k in that, Having stock of Rs 5 lakhs. PF of 1 lakhs , Pls suggest - 1. From next month plan to start sip of 15k which is best to invest , I've shortlisted IN SMALL CAP - Quant , Nippon In TAX SAVER- Quant, bandhan, parag parikh In MID CAP - HDFC mid opportunity fund. Which one to go or you can add to make Portfolio balance. 2. In 80C which is best investment to add like I'm doing SIP I can go for ELSS or else ? 3. Planning to retire at 50/55 with corpus of 10 to 12 cr is it possible? 4. Should I invest in Quant MF as there is front running news going on.
Ans: It’s great that you’re planning your investments and thinking ahead about your retirement. Let's dive into your queries one by one, keeping it detailed yet simple.

1. SIP Investment Options

Starting a SIP of Rs. 15,000 is a smart move. Here’s how you can balance your portfolio:

Small Cap Funds: Small-cap funds have the potential for high growth but come with higher risk. A balanced approach can help.

Tax Saver Funds (ELSS): These funds offer tax benefits under 80C and have a lock-in period of 3 years. They also provide good returns, making them an excellent choice for long-term investments.

Mid Cap Funds: Mid-cap funds provide a balance between the high risk of small-cap funds and the stability of large-cap funds.

You’ve shortlisted some good funds. To balance your portfolio, diversify across these categories. Consider spreading your Rs. 15,000 SIP into small-cap, tax saver, and mid-cap funds equally or as per your risk appetite.

2. Best 80C Investments

For 80C investments, ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) is one of the best options. It offers tax benefits and the potential for high returns due to equity exposure. The lock-in period is just three years, which is lower compared to other 80C options.

Apart from ELSS, you can also consider:

Public Provident Fund (PPF): It offers a fixed return and is government-backed, making it a safe option.

National Savings Certificate (NSC): Another safe option with a fixed return and tax benefits.

Combining ELSS for equity exposure and PPF or NSC for stability can create a balanced 80C investment portfolio.

3. Retirement Planning

Planning to retire at 50/55 with a corpus of Rs. 10 to 12 crores is ambitious but achievable. Given your current income and investment habits, you’re on the right path. Here are some steps to reach your goal:

Increase SIP Amount Gradually: As your income grows, try to increase your SIP amount. This will significantly boost your corpus over time.

Diversify Investments: Don’t put all your money into one type of fund. Diversify across different types of mutual funds (large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, ELSS) and other investment avenues.

Reinvest Dividends: Choose the growth option in mutual funds to reinvest dividends. This can compound your returns over time.

Regular Review: Periodically review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals and market conditions. Rebalance if necessary.

4. Investing in Quant Mutual Funds

The news about front running in Quant Mutual Funds can be concerning. It's important to consider the credibility and performance consistency of any fund. If you’re unsure, diversify your investments across different fund houses to mitigate risks.

Advantages of Mutual Funds

Diversification: Mutual funds offer diversification, reducing the risk by investing in a mix of assets.

Professional Management: Funds are managed by experienced professionals who make investment decisions based on research and analysis.

Liquidity: Mutual funds offer liquidity, allowing you to redeem your investments as needed.

Compounding: The power of compounding in mutual funds can significantly grow your wealth over time, especially with SIPs.

Types of Mutual Funds

Equity Funds: Invest in stocks, offering high returns with higher risk. Suitable for long-term goals.

Debt Funds: Invest in fixed-income securities, offering lower risk and steady returns. Good for short to medium-term goals.

Hybrid Funds: Combine equity and debt, providing a balance of risk and return.

ELSS: Offers tax benefits under 80C, with equity exposure and a lock-in period of 3 years.

Risk and Returns

Mutual funds come with varying degrees of risk. Equity funds are high-risk, high-return. Debt funds are low-risk, stable-return. Hybrid funds offer moderate risk and return. Understanding your risk tolerance is key to choosing the right funds.

Final Insights

Your investment journey looks promising. Starting a Rs. 15,000 SIP, focusing on ELSS for 80C benefits, and planning for a substantial retirement corpus are excellent strategies. Diversification, regular reviews, and reinvestment of dividends will help you reach your goals.

Keep an eye on fund performance and stay informed about any issues like the front-running news with Quant Mutual Funds. Remember, diversifying across different fund houses and categories can safeguard your investments.

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 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 02, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money
Sir i have loan of 80 lacs and my monthly emi is 65000. My salary is 2 lacs per month. I have 20 lacs in stocks. I would clear my loan as soon as possible. And also would like to invest for a early retirement. Im currently 35 yrs would be able to work till 45yrs.
Ans: You are 35 years old, earning Rs. 2 lakhs monthly.

You have an outstanding loan of Rs. 80 lakhs with an EMI of Rs. 65,000.

You possess Rs. 20 lakhs in stocks and aim to retire by 45.

This is a commendable goal, but it requires meticulous planning.

Let's delve into the specifics.

Understanding Your Loan Structure

Loan Amount: Rs. 80 lakhs

Monthly EMI: Rs. 65,000

Interest Rate: Assuming 8% per annum

Loan Tenure: Assuming 20 years

Given these parameters, your total interest outgo over the loan tenure would be substantial.

However, since you plan to retire in 10 years, it's prudent to align your loan repayment accordingly.

Evaluating Your Stock Investments

Current Stock Portfolio: Rs. 20 lakhs

Nature of Investment: Assuming direct equity

Direct equity investments can be volatile.

It's essential to assess the risk and ensure diversification.

Consider reallocating a portion to less volatile instruments to safeguard your capital.

Monthly Cash Flow Analysis

Monthly Income: Rs. 2 lakhs

EMI Payment: Rs. 65,000

Remaining Income: Rs. 1.35 lakhs

This surplus can be strategically allocated towards investments and additional loan repayments.

Strategizing Loan Repayment

Given the high interest burden, it's advisable to expedite loan repayment.

Consider the following approach:

Allocate Additional Funds: Utilize a portion of your surplus income to make extra payments towards the loan principal.

Lump Sum Payments: Use bonuses or other windfalls to reduce the loan balance.

Loan Restructuring: Explore options to refinance the loan at a lower interest rate.

By adopting these strategies, you can aim to repay the loan within your desired timeframe.

Planning for Early Retirement

To retire by 45, you need to accumulate a substantial corpus.

Assuming your annual expenses post-retirement would be Rs. 12 lakhs, and considering inflation, you would require a corpus of approximately Rs. 3 crores.

Here's how you can approach this:

Monthly Savings: Allocate a significant portion of your surplus income towards retirement savings.

Investment Instruments: Consider diversified mutual funds, PPF, and other long-term investment avenues.

Regular Review: Periodically assess your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your retirement goals.

Risk Management

Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage:

Life Insurance: Opt for a term plan with a sum assured of at least 10 times your annual income.

Health Insurance: Secure a comprehensive health insurance policy for yourself and your family.

This will safeguard your financial plan against unforeseen events.

Emergency Fund

Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of your monthly expenses.

This fund should be easily accessible and kept in a liquid form.

It acts as a financial cushion during unexpected situations.

Tax Planning

Efficient tax planning can enhance your savings:

Utilize Deductions: Make full use of deductions under sections 80C, 80D, and others.

Invest in Tax-Efficient Instruments: Consider ELSS, PPF, and NPS for tax benefits.

Consult a Professional: Engage with a Certified Financial Planner to optimize your tax strategy.

Final Insights

Your aspiration to retire by 45 is achievable with disciplined financial planning.

Prioritize loan repayment, build a robust investment portfolio, and ensure adequate risk coverage.

Regularly monitor your financial plan and make adjustments as necessary.

Engaging with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..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!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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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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