Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 04, 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 - Jun 03, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

I am 37 years having 30k salary with 5000 rs mutual fund monthly from 3 years i want to have 1 CR till my age 50 how can I get it

Ans: Understanding Your Financial Goals
You are 37 years old, earning Rs. 30,000 per month.

You have been investing Rs. 5,000 monthly in mutual funds for the past three years.

You aim to accumulate Rs. 1 crore by the age of 50.

This goal is ambitious but achievable with disciplined investing and planning.

Current Investment Scenario
You have been investing Rs. 5,000 monthly in mutual funds for three years.

Assuming an average annual return of 12%, your investment has grown.

Let’s calculate the current value of your mutual fund investment.

Calculating Current Investment Value
Using a SIP calculator, the current value of your investment is approximately Rs. 2,05,000.

This calculation assumes an annual return of 12%.

You still have 13 years to reach your goal of Rs. 1 crore.

Assessing Required Monthly Investment
To accumulate Rs. 1 crore in 13 years, you need to invest more.

Let’s calculate the required monthly investment using a SIP calculator.

Assuming an annual return of 12%, you need to invest approximately Rs. 27,000 monthly.

Increasing Monthly Investment
Your current monthly salary is Rs. 30,000.

Investing Rs. 27,000 monthly is not feasible with your current income.

You need to explore ways to increase your income or reduce expenses.

Boosting Income
Consider taking up part-time jobs or freelance work to increase your income.

Look for opportunities to upgrade your skills for better-paying jobs.

Higher income will help you invest more towards your goal.

Reducing Expenses
Evaluate your monthly expenses and identify areas to cut costs.

Create a budget to manage your finances effectively.

Redirect the savings towards your investment plan.

Exploring Mutual Funds
Continue investing in mutual funds through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs).

Diversify your investments across equity and debt mutual funds.

This balances risk and potential returns.

Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds have higher growth potential but come with higher risk.

They are suitable for long-term goals due to their growth potential.

Invest a portion of your funds in equity mutual funds for higher returns.

Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds are less risky and provide stable returns.

They invest in fixed income securities like bonds and government securities.

Include debt mutual funds in your portfolio for stability.

Balanced Mutual Funds
Balanced mutual funds invest in both equity and debt.

They provide a balance of risk and return.

Consider balanced mutual funds to diversify your investments.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Continue with SIPs to invest regularly and systematically.

SIPs benefit from rupee cost averaging and compounding.

Regular investments help in achieving long-term financial goals.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses.

Aim to save at least six months of living expenses.

This fund provides financial security and avoids dipping into investments.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for personalized advice.

A CFP can help create a comprehensive investment strategy based on your goals.

They can provide guidance on tax-efficient investment options.

Tax Planning
Effective tax planning helps in maximizing returns.

Invest in tax-saving instruments like Public Provident Fund (PPF) or National Pension System (NPS).

These instruments offer tax benefits and contribute to your financial goals.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Regularly review and adjust your investment portfolio.

Market conditions and personal financial situations change over time.

Periodic reviews ensure your investments remain aligned with your goals.

Avoiding Quick Rich Schemes
Avoid quick rich schemes as they are often high-risk and can lead to losses.

Stick to disciplined investing through SIPs for long-term wealth creation.

Remember, there are no shortcuts to achieving financial goals.

Conclusion
Achieving Rs. 1 crore by age 50 is ambitious but possible with disciplined investing.

Increase your monthly investment, boost income, and reduce expenses.

Diversify your investments across mutual funds and seek professional advice.

Regularly review your portfolio and avoid quick rich schemes.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
Asked on - Jun 05, 2024 | Answered on Jun 05, 2024
Listen
Thank you sir
Ans: You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Best wishes on your financial journey!

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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 2024

Listen
Money
I have mutual fund of 1cr and equity of 60 lacs Fd of 35 lacs income of amount 1lacs per month my age 40.At 50 age I need 5 cr.please suggest
Ans: Current Financial Situation
Mutual Funds: Rs 1 crore
Equity Investments: Rs 60 lakhs
Fixed Deposits: Rs 35 lakhs
Monthly Income: Rs 1 lakh
Age: 40 years
Goal: Rs 5 crores by age 50
Evaluating Current Portfolio
Your current portfolio is diversified across mutual funds, equity, and fixed deposits. To achieve your goal of Rs 5 crores in 10 years, let's analyze and suggest a strategy.

Target Growth Rate
To reach Rs 5 crores in 10 years, you need a clear investment plan with a balanced growth strategy. Assuming an annual return of around 12%, let's outline a plan.

Mutual Fund Investments
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Recommendation: Continue or start SIPs in diversified equity mutual funds.
Diversification: Focus on large cap, mid cap, and flexi cap funds for balanced growth and risk.
Equity Funds
Large Cap Funds: Stable growth with lower risk.
Mid Cap Funds: Higher growth potential with moderate risk.
Flexi Cap Funds: Diversified across market caps for balanced risk and return.
Equity Investments
Direct Equity
Recommendation: Continue holding, but regularly review and rebalance.
Diversification: Invest in a mix of sectors to reduce risk.
Fixed Deposits
Re-evaluation
Returns: Lower returns compared to mutual funds and equity.
Recommendation: Consider shifting a portion to debt mutual funds for better returns and tax efficiency.
Monthly Investment Plan
Additional Investment
Recommendation: Invest a portion of your monthly income to boost your corpus.
SIP in Equity Funds: Allocate a portion to SIPs for regular and disciplined investing.
Example Monthly Allocation
Equity Mutual Funds: Rs 50,000
Debt Mutual Funds: Rs 20,000
PPF/Other Savings: Rs 30,000
Tax Efficiency
Long-Term Capital Gains Tax
Equity Funds: Gains taxed at 10% for holdings above Rs 1 lakh per year.
Debt Funds: Taxed at 20% with indexation benefits after 3 years.
Emergency Fund
Importance
Liquidity: Maintain a separate emergency fund.
Security: Provides financial security for unforeseen expenses.
Regular Portfolio Review
Monitoring
Review Frequency: Quarterly or bi-annual reviews.
Adjustments: Rebalance based on performance and market conditions.
Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Recommendation: Consult a CFP for personalized advice and management.
Benefits: Professional guidance ensures alignment with your financial goals.
Final Insights
To achieve your goal of Rs 5 crores by age 50, follow these steps:

Continue SIPs in diversified equity mutual funds.
Review and rebalance your direct equity investments.
Consider shifting a portion of fixed deposits to debt mutual funds.
Invest a portion of your monthly income regularly.
Maintain an emergency fund.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.
With disciplined investing and regular review, you can achieve your financial goal.

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 25, 2024

Listen
Money
have mutual fund of 1cr and equity of 60 lacs Fd of 35 lacs,pf 18.5 lac income of amount 1lacs per month my age 40.At 50 age I need 5 cr.please suggest
Ans: Let’s evaluate your current financial situation and create a plan to achieve your goal of Rs 5 crore by age 50.

Current Financial Overview
Mutual Funds: Rs 1 crore

Equity: Rs 60 lakh

Fixed Deposits (FD): Rs 35 lakh

Provident Fund (PF): Rs 18.5 lakh

Monthly Income: Rs 1 lakh

Investment Goal
Target Amount: Rs 5 crore

Time Horizon: 10 years

Assessing Current Portfolio
1. Mutual Funds:

You have a substantial investment in mutual funds.

Ensure a mix of equity and debt funds for balanced growth.

2. Equity Investments:

Diversify across sectors and industries.

Invest in fundamentally strong companies.

3. Fixed Deposits:

Low-risk and stable returns.

Reinvest the interest for compounding benefits.

4. Provident Fund:

Provides safe and tax-efficient returns.
Recommendations to Achieve Rs 5 Crore
1. Enhance Equity Investments:

Increase your equity exposure for higher returns.

Focus on large-cap and mid-cap stocks.

Regularly review and adjust your portfolio.

2. SIP in Mutual Funds:

Invest in actively managed funds through SIPs.

Choose funds with a strong track record and experienced managers.

Regular SIPs can help in rupee cost averaging.

3. Diversify Mutual Funds:

Include a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and sectoral funds.

Diversification reduces risk and enhances returns.

4. Reinvest Fixed Deposit Interest:

Reinvest the interest from FDs to maximize growth.

Consider breaking FDs into smaller amounts for better liquidity.

5. Monitor and Rebalance Portfolio:

Regularly review your investment performance.

Rebalance your portfolio to align with your goals.

6. Increase Monthly Investments:

Save and invest a portion of your monthly income.

Consider increasing your SIP amounts annually.

7. Avoid Direct Funds:

Direct funds lack professional guidance.

Regular funds through MFDs offer better insights and management.

8. Avoid Index Funds:

Index funds are passive and may not meet your growth targets.

Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market.

Risk Management
1. Insurance Coverage:

Ensure adequate life and health insurance.

Protects your family and financial goals.

2. Emergency Fund:

Maintain a separate emergency fund.

Covers unexpected expenses without disrupting investments.

Tax Planning
1. Utilize Tax Benefits:

Invest in tax-saving instruments like ELSS.

Maximize benefits under Section 80C and 80D.

2. Efficient Withdrawal Strategy:

Plan withdrawals from investments to minimize tax liability.
Final Insights
To reach Rs 5 crore in 10 years, enhance equity investments, diversify mutual funds, and increase SIP amounts. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio. Avoid direct funds and index funds. Utilize tax-saving options and maintain adequate insurance coverage.

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 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 17, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
have mutual fund of 1cr and equity of 60 lacs Fd of 35 lacs, PF 18.5 LACS , ppf 1lac , amount income of amount 1lacs per month my age 40.At 50 age I need 5 cr.please suggest
Ans: Current Financial Overview
You are 40 years old.

You have mutual funds worth Rs. 1 crore.

You have equity worth Rs. 60 lakhs.

You have fixed deposits worth Rs. 35 lakhs.

Your PF is Rs. 18.5 lakhs.

Your PPF is Rs. 1 lakh.

Your monthly income is Rs. 1 lakh.

You need Rs. 5 crores by age 50.

Appreciating Your Progress
You have a solid financial base.

Your investments are well-diversified.

You have shown discipline in saving and investing.

Setting the Right Strategy
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are a great choice.

They provide diversification.

Actively managed funds can outperform.

Continue with your current investments.

Consider increasing your SIPs.

This will accelerate your growth.

Equity Investments
Equity offers high returns.

It also carries higher risk.

Review your equity portfolio.

Ensure it aligns with your goals.

Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner.

They can help optimize your equity investments.

Fixed Deposits
Fixed deposits are safe.

But they offer lower returns.

Consider moving some funds to mutual funds.

This can give you better growth.

Provident Fund (PF)
PF is a stable investment.

It offers good returns and tax benefits.

Continue contributing to your PF.

It will help secure your retirement.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is also a safe investment.

But your current balance is low.

Consider increasing your contributions.

PPF offers tax-free returns.

Goal-Based Investing
Identify your specific goals.

Break them into short, medium, and long-term.

Align your investments with these goals.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Review your portfolio regularly.

Ensure it aligns with your goals.

Rebalance if necessary.

This helps maintain your investment strategy.

Tax Planning
Use tax-saving instruments.

They reduce your taxable income.

Consider ELSS funds.

They offer tax benefits and good returns.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund.

It should cover 6 months of expenses.

Keep it in a liquid account.

Health and Life Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health insurance.

Cover at least Rs. 10 lakhs.

Consider term life insurance.

Cover at least 10 times your annual income.

This means Rs. 1.2 crores.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
Consult a Certified Financial Planner.

They provide expert advice.

They help in making informed decisions.

They ensure your investments are on track.

Final Insights
You have a strong financial foundation.

Focus on increasing your investments.

Review and rebalance your portfolio regularly.

Ensure adequate insurance coverage.

Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner.

This will help you achieve your Rs. 5 crore goal by age 50.

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 22, 2024

Listen
Money
I am having 46lakh mutual fund and monthly investment is 22k, I wanted 2cr in next 3year. What else I can do to achive that also I have share of 13lakh. And running two home loan one is 25lakh and another is 48lakh
Ans: Current Financial Position
Mutual Fund Investments: Rs 46 lakh
Monthly Investment: Rs 22,000
Share Investments: Rs 13 lakh
Home Loans: Rs 25 lakh and Rs 48 lakh
You aim to accumulate Rs 2 crore in 3 years.

Let's analyze and suggest a strategy to achieve this goal.

Assessing the Goal
Aggressive Goal
Your goal is ambitious. Achieving Rs 2 crore in 3 years will require a high growth rate.

Current Investments
You are investing in mutual funds and shares. This is good but may not be sufficient for your goal.

Investment Strategy
Increase Monthly Investments
Consider increasing your monthly investment. Even small increases can significantly impact over time.

Focus on Equity Funds
Actively managed equity funds can offer high returns. Fund managers can outperform the market, unlike index funds.

Balanced Funds
Balanced funds provide a mix of equity and debt. This can offer stability and growth.

Avoid Index Funds
Index funds are passively managed. They cannot outperform the market. Actively managed funds, with professional oversight, aim to exceed market returns.

Avoid Direct Funds
Direct funds might have lower fees. But investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential can provide professional guidance. This can lead to better fund selection and higher returns.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Set up SIPs for regular investments. SIPs help in averaging out market volatility. They ensure disciplined and consistent investing.

Debt Management
Home Loans
You have two home loans. Consider refinancing to reduce interest rates. Pay extra towards higher interest loan if possible.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund. This should cover at least 6 months of expenses. It's essential for financial security and to avoid liquidating investments prematurely.

Diversification and Regular Review
Diversify Portfolio
Diversify your portfolio across different asset classes. This reduces risk and increases potential returns.

Regular Review
Review your portfolio regularly. Make adjustments based on market conditions and your goals.

Seek Professional Guidance
Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for personalized advice. They can help design a strategy tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Final Insights
Achieving Rs 2 crore in 3 years is challenging but possible.

Increase your monthly investments and focus on equity and balanced funds. Avoid index and direct funds for better returns.

Maintain an emergency fund and consider SIPs. Manage your home loans wisely. Seek professional guidance for a well-rounded investment strategy.

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 Apr 23, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 04, 2025
Money
My current age is 30 years I m investing 40 k per month in mutual fund my current monthly expenses are 1lac how can I achieve FIRE till 45
Ans: Achieving FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) by age 45 is bold and inspiring. At 30, you have time on your side. Let’s explore a 360-degree plan to reach this goal smartly and steadily.

?

Clarity on FIRE Goal

FIRE means your investments should cover your future expenses.

?

At Rs. 1 lakh monthly expense now, expect higher needs later due to inflation.

?

In 15 years, even a simple 6% inflation will double your expenses.

?

So, your retirement kitty should replace Rs. 2 lakh monthly income, minimum.

?

This will need a very strong, dependable and inflation-beating portfolio.

?

We need to focus not only on growth but also on stability.

?

Let us plan your corpus target and back-calculate your ideal strategy.

?

Current Investment Pattern

You are investing Rs. 40,000 per month in mutual funds.

?

You didn’t mention the fund types. That’s very important to analyse.

?

If you use index funds or direct plans, that’s risky and passive.

?

Index funds don’t beat the market in tough years.

?

They just copy the market, even in bad times.

?

You need alpha, i.e., returns above index. Active funds do that better.

?

Certified Financial Planners guide better through MFD-based regular plans.

?

Regular plans with MFDs offer human advice and behavioural support.

?

Direct funds lack this. Most DIY investors stop SIPs in volatile times.

?

So, work with a CFP-guided MFD for disciplined investing.

?

Recommended Asset Allocation Strategy

Divide your investments based on purpose and time horizon.

?

Since your FIRE timeline is 15 years, you need a three-bucket system.

?

Let’s define these buckets for clarity.

?

Bucket 1: Wealth Creation for FIRE

60% of your investment should focus on long-term growth.

?

This means actively managed mid cap, small cap and flexi cap funds.

?

Choose only 1-2 funds per category. Don’t over-diversify.

?

Review every year. Switch only if fund underperforms for 2 years.

?

These funds are volatile, but they beat inflation well over long term.

?

Don’t touch this money till FIRE age of 45.

?

Reinvest all gains. Let it compound.

?

Bucket 2: Pre-FIRE Safety Corpus

25% should go to low volatility hybrid or balanced advantage funds.

?

This is your transition corpus. Start using this 1-2 years before FIRE.

?

These funds adjust equity-debt ratio automatically.

?

They give smoother returns in volatile markets.

?

Start building this bucket by your 40th birthday.

?

This will fund the early years of FIRE.

?

Bucket 3: Emergency + Goal Protection

15% of funds must be in liquid and ultra-short-term funds.

?

This covers emergencies, job loss, health, or family needs.

?

Never use this for spending. Replenish if used.

?

This gives peace of mind to continue SIPs during uncertain phases.

?

Other Financial Aspects You Must Plan For

FIRE is not just SIPs. There are other key things too.

?

1. Health Insurance Must Be Strong

You didn’t mention health cover. Rs. 25 lakh floater is minimum.

?

You’ll retire early. So no employer health cover after 45.

?

Take top-up policy above Rs. 5 lakh base policy now itself.

?

Buy non-network hospital cover also. This gives wider support.

?

2. Term Cover Must Be Reviewed

Life insurance is not for FIRE. It is for protecting dependents.

?

If you are single or spouse is working, reduce cover.

?

If spouse or parents depend on you, keep Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 2 crore.

?

Stop cover after you reach corpus. Don't pay premiums forever.

?

3. Track Your Expenses and Lifestyle Creep

Rs. 1 lakh expense today will not remain same.

?

Expenses will grow. Child, ageing parents, medical costs can rise.

?

Track your real inflation. Don’t use average number like 6%.

?

Lifestyle inflation is silent and dangerous.

?

FIRE fails if expenses go out of control. Track monthly.

?

4. Don’t Depend on Real Estate or Gold

Real estate is illiquid. It is not good for FIRE.

?

You can’t sell a part of house in emergency.

?

Gold is not productive. It gives no regular income.

?

Mutual funds are better. They offer liquidity, growth, and tax benefits.

?

5. Keep FIRE Income Stream Flexible

You can’t withdraw fixed 4% always. Market cycles vary.

?

Use Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from hybrid funds.

?

Withdraw only as needed. Keep 2-3 years of expense in debt funds.

?

Switch from equity to hybrid to debt slowly post FIRE.

?

6. Rebalance Every Year With CFP Help

Do portfolio review every 12 months.

?

Switch asset classes if ratios deviate from goal.

?

Use SIP top-ups if salary increases.

?

A Certified Financial Planner can help with this in disciplined way.

?

7. FIRE Doesn’t Mean No Work

Most early retirees still work part-time.

?

Passive income from hobbies or skills gives cushion.

?

FIRE gives freedom, not laziness. Use time to grow differently.

?

8. Know the New Tax Rules for Mutual Funds

Equity fund LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

?

STCG from equity taxed at 20%.

?

Debt funds gains taxed as per income slab.

?

Plan withdrawal and SWP after FIRE carefully to avoid higher tax.

?

Keep equity invested beyond 1 year to save on tax.

?

Milestones To Achieve FIRE at 45

Rs. 3 crore to Rs. 4 crore is needed for basic FIRE at age 45.

?

For a family with moderate lifestyle, target Rs. 5 crore corpus.

?

SIP of Rs. 40K alone may fall short.

?

Try to increase SIP by 10% every year.

?

Add bonus or windfall into mutual funds, not lifestyle upgrades.

?

Start tracking net worth and yearly returns.

?

Financial Discipline Matters More Than Product

Stick to SIPs during market fall.

?

Don’t withdraw for short-term needs.

?

Avoid ULIPs, endowment, or combo policies.

?

If you already hold LIC or ULIP, surrender and move to mutual funds.

?

Don’t stop SIP even during job change or slow income phase.

?

FIRE success depends on discipline more than return.

?

Final Insights

FIRE at 45 is possible. You have made a good start.

?

You need higher SIPs, low expenses, and goal clarity.

?

Diversify across actively managed funds, not passive ones.

?

Use Certified Financial Planner advice regularly.

?

Be consistent. Don’t fear market fall. Stick to long-term plan.

?

Build SWP path to draw retirement income smartly.

?

Keep inflation and taxes in mind during withdrawal.

?

Stay invested. Review yearly. Enjoy life after FIRE.

?

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'.

...Read more

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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x