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Should I invest in a child insurance plan for my kids' future education?

Moneywize | Answer |Ask -Follow

Financial Planner - Answered on Sep 26, 2024

MoneyWize helps you make smart investment choices.... more

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 25, 2024Hindi

Money

I am 40 with two children aged 12 and 9. I have a term insurance plan, but I’m wondering if I should invest in a child insurance plan for my kids' future education. Is it worth considering, or should I stick with mutual funds?

Ans: When planning for your children’s future, particularly their education, the decision between investing in a child insurance plan and continuing with mutual funds is crucial. Both options have their advantages, but choosing the one that best fits your financial goals and risk tolerance will ensure that you’re making the right decision for your family.

1. Understanding Child Insurance Plans

Child insurance plans are life insurance policies specifically designed to secure your child’s future. These plans offer a mix of life cover and savings, ensuring that in the unfortunate event of the parent’s demise, the child’s education and other financial needs are met. Here are some of the benefits and features of these plans:

• Guaranteed Payouts: Child insurance plans typically provide payouts at pre-determined intervals or at key milestones, such as when your child turns 18 or enters college. This ensures that money is available at crucial moments for educational expenses.
• Life Cover with Waiver of Premium: In case of the policyholder's demise, many child plans waive off future premiums while the policy remains active. This guarantees that your child will continue to receive the planned benefits without any further payments.
• Low Risk: Child insurance plans are generally lower risk compared to mutual funds, as they are not heavily market-linked. They are often tied to traditional savings or endowment plans, making them a safer, though lower-return, investment.
• Disciplined Saving: These plans are structured to encourage long-term savings, making them ideal for individuals who want a structured financial plan for their children’s future.

2. The Case for Mutual Funds

On the other hand, mutual funds, particularly equity and balanced funds, are popular investment vehicles for long-term goals like education. Here’s why they can be a more attractive option for accumulating a significant corpus over time:

• Potential for Higher Returns: Mutual funds, especially those invested in equities (large-cap, mid-cap, or multi-cap), tend to offer higher returns compared to child insurance plans. Historically, equity markets have provided better growth over the long term, making mutual funds an ideal option for goals that are 10-15 years away, such as your children’s higher education.
• Flexibility: Unlike child insurance plans, mutual funds give you the flexibility to adjust your portfolio based on market conditions, your financial goals, or any changes in your personal life. You can choose to increase or decrease your investment or switch between funds if needed.
• Transparency: Mutual funds offer greater transparency with daily Net Asset Value (NAV) updates, which reflect the current value of your investments. You can also easily track fund performance, fees, and other details.
• Diversification: Mutual funds allow you to diversify your investments across various asset classes, reducing overall risk while still having the potential for growth. This is particularly useful for parents who want to balance safety with the opportunity for higher returns.

3. Key Considerations: Which One to Choose?

When deciding between a child insurance plan and mutual funds, consider the following factors:

• Risk Appetite: Child insurance plans are low-risk, stable options for securing your child’s future. If you are risk-averse and prefer guaranteed payouts, a child insurance plan might suit your needs. However, if you have a moderate to high-risk appetite and are willing to ride the ups and downs of the stock market for potentially higher returns, mutual funds are a better fit.
• Time Horizon: Since your children are 12 and 9 years old, you likely have about 5-8 years before you’ll need significant funds for their higher education. This is a reasonable time horizon for equity mutual funds, which tend to perform well over the long term (5-10 years or more). A child insurance plan would also mature around this time, but with potentially lower returns.
• Goal-Specific Planning: If you are primarily focused on your children's education, you can select mutual funds that cater specifically to this goal. Equity funds, balanced funds, or even children-specific mutual funds (designed to save for education) can be tailored to meet the expected costs of tuition, living expenses, and more. With mutual funds, you can align your investment strategy directly with your financial goals.

4. Mutual Funds or Child Insurance Plan?

Given that you already have a term insurance policy in place, which secures your family in case of an unfortunate event, the additional life cover that comes with a child insurance plan might not be necessary. Instead, mutual funds provide higher growth potential and flexibility, which makes them more suited for long-term education planning.

In your case, where you have about 5-8 years before major educational expenses arise, mutual funds can help you accumulate a larger corpus compared to child insurance plans. You can consider setting up a diversified mutual fund portfolio, including a mix of equity and balanced funds, to maximize growth while mitigating risk.

However, if you’re looking for guaranteed payouts with lower risk and the security of a waiver of premium in case of death, a child insurance plan could still be worth considering. Ultimately, the decision depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and preference for flexibility or guaranteed returns.

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 Kalirajan |10872 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 2024

Question by K - May 11, 2024Hindi

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Best insurance policy for children

Ans: Understanding the best options for securing your children's future is crucial, and insurance policies are often considered. However, let's delve into why insurance investment policies for children might not be the optimal choice and highlight the disadvantages compared to mutual funds.

Recognizing the Importance of Financial Planning for Children
Investing in your children's future is a priority for every parent, and it's essential to explore avenues that offer both protection and growth opportunities.

Disadvantages of Insurance Investment Policies for Children
Low Returns: Insurance investment policies often offer relatively lower returns compared to mutual funds. The returns generated may not be sufficient to meet long-term financial goals.

Lack of Flexibility: Insurance policies typically come with inflexible terms and conditions, limiting your ability to adjust investments based on changing financial needs and market conditions.

High Charges and Fees: Insurance investment policies often entail high charges, including premium allocation charges, policy administration charges, and fund management charges, which can erode the overall returns.

Limited Transparency: Insurance policies may lack transparency in terms of fund performance, investment strategy, and associated costs, making it challenging for investors to assess the effectiveness of their investments.

Advantages of Mutual Funds Over Insurance Investment Policies
Higher Potential Returns: Mutual funds offer the potential for higher returns compared to insurance policies, as they invest in a diversified portfolio of securities across various asset classes.

Greater Flexibility: Mutual funds provide investors with greater flexibility to tailor their investment strategies, switch between funds, and adjust allocations based on evolving financial goals and market dynamics.

Lower Costs: Mutual funds typically have lower fees and charges compared to insurance policies, resulting in higher net returns for investors over the long term.

Transparency and Accountability: Mutual funds offer greater transparency in terms of fund performance, investment holdings, and costs, enabling investors to make informed decisions and hold fund managers accountable.

Leveraging the Benefits of Mutual Funds for Children's Future
Instead of opting for insurance investment policies, consider investing in mutual funds for your children's future. Mutual funds offer the potential for higher returns, greater flexibility, lower costs, and transparency, making them a more efficient and effective investment vehicle for long-term wealth creation.

Conclusion
In conclusion, while insurance policies may seem like a convenient option for securing your children's future, they often come with limitations and drawbacks compared to mutual funds. By opting for mutual funds, you can harness the benefits of higher returns, flexibility, lower costs, and transparency, ultimately ensuring a brighter financial future for your children.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Moneywize | Answer |Ask -Follow

Financial Planner - Answered on Sep 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 26, 2024Hindi

Money

I am 40 lives in Madurai with two children aged 12 and 9. I have a term insurance plan, but I’m wondering if I should invest in a child insurance plan for my kids' future education. Is it worth considering, or should I stick with mutual funds?

Ans: When planning for your children’s future, especially their education, it’s natural to consider different investment options that provide financial security. You mentioned that you already have a term insurance plan, which is an excellent foundation for life coverage. Now, you're contemplating whether to invest in a child insurance plan or stick with mutual funds for your children’s education.
Both options come with their advantages and considerations, but they serve different purposes and operate on different financial principles.

1. Understanding Child Insurance Plans
Child insurance plans are a combination of insurance and investment. They are designed to secure your child's future in case of your untimely demise while also offering a financial corpus for education or other major milestones. Here’s a breakdown of their key features:

• Life Coverage: In the event of the parent’s death, the insurance component of the child plan ensures that a lump sum is paid to the child or the nominee. Some plans also waive off future premiums, ensuring the plan continues and the investment portion keeps growing.
• Maturity Benefits: Child insurance plans provide maturity benefits, where a lump sum amount is paid when the policy matures. This is typically aligned with the child reaching adulthood, making it a useful fund for higher education or marriage.
• Premium Payments: Most child plans require regular premium payments, which can be annual, semi-annual, or monthly. Some plans allow partial withdrawals for education or emergencies without breaking the plan.
• Risk Management: Since these are primarily insurance products, they have a lower risk factor than equity mutual funds. However, this also means that the returns may not be as high as those generated by more market-driven instruments like equity funds.

2. Pros and Cons of Child Insurance Plans

Pros:

• Financial Security: The primary advantage of child insurance plans is the built-in life coverage. In the unfortunate event of the parent’s demise, the child’s education and future are safeguarded.
• Guaranteed Payout: Child insurance plans offer guaranteed payouts either at maturity or as a death benefit, providing a predictable source of funds for education.
• Premium Waiver: Many plans come with a premium waiver in case of death, ensuring that the policy continues even if the parent is no longer around to make payments.
• Tax Benefits: Premiums paid toward child plans qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, and the maturity benefits are tax-free under Section 10(10D).

Cons:

• Lower Returns: Compared to mutual funds, child insurance plans often deliver lower returns as a significant portion of your premium goes toward the insurance cover rather than investments.
• Lock-In Period: Child insurance plans come with a long lock-in period, which reduces flexibility. In case of any urgent requirement, it may not be easy to access funds as you can with other investments.
• Higher Costs: The combination of insurance and investment usually means higher premium costs compared to what you might pay for a standalone term plan plus an investment in mutual funds.

3. Mutual Funds for Child’s Education

Mutual funds, particularly equity mutual funds, are market-linked instruments that offer the potential for higher returns, especially over the long term. Here’s why they are often recommended for funding long-term goals like a child’s education:
• Flexibility: Mutual funds offer a wide range of investment options based on your risk appetite. You can choose from equity, debt, or hybrid funds depending on your financial goals and timeline. For long-term goals like education, equity mutual funds or balanced funds tend to perform well, offering the potential for inflation-beating returns.
• Higher Returns: Historically, equity mutual funds have provided better returns than traditional insurance-linked plans or debt instruments. Over a period of 10-15 years, a well-chosen equity fund can deliver double-digit returns, helping you build a substantial corpus.
• Systematic Investment: With mutual funds, you can invest through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), which allow you to contribute a fixed amount monthly. This helps in rupee cost averaging and reduces the impact of market volatility.
• Liquidity: Mutual funds, especially open-ended funds, offer greater liquidity than child insurance plans. You can redeem your investments anytime without hefty penalties, making it easier to access funds when needed.
• Goal-Oriented Approach: You can tailor your mutual fund investments according to your specific goals. For example, you could allocate a portion of your portfolio to large-cap equity funds for stability and another portion to mid-cap or small-cap funds for higher growth potential.
• Tax Efficiency: Equity mutual funds held for more than a year qualify for long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax, which is currently 10% on gains above Rs 1 lakh, making them tax-efficient for long-term wealth creation.

4. Why Mutual Funds Might Be Better for You

Given your situation -- a 40-year-old with two children aged 12 and 9 — mutual funds could be a better fit for several reasons:

• Time Horizon: You likely have around 5-10 years until your children begin their higher education. Mutual funds, particularly equity funds, have the potential to deliver higher returns over this period compared to child insurance plans. This is crucial, as education costs tend to rise with inflation, and you’ll need an investment vehicle that can keep up with or exceed this rate.
• Flexibility: Mutual funds allow you to adjust your portfolio over time. For example, you can start with equity funds while you’re further away from your goal and gradually shift to safer debt funds as your children approach the age when the funds will be needed. This flexibility is hard to find with insurance-linked plans, which tend to be more rigid.
• Lower Costs: By opting for mutual funds, especially direct plans, you can avoid the high costs and commissions typically associated with insurance products. This allows more of your money to work for you in the market.
• Goal Alignment: Mutual funds can be more aligned with the specific goal of education planning. You can even consider investing in child-specific mutual funds, though these operate similarly to regular equity or hybrid funds, with an added emphasis on the goal of education.

5. Conclusion: Stick with Mutual Funds

While child insurance plans offer the benefit of life coverage and guaranteed payouts, they may not be the most efficient way to fund your children’s education due to their lower returns and higher costs. Since you already have a term insurance plan, which covers the life insurance aspect, mutual funds seem like a better fit for building a substantial education fund. Their potential for higher returns, flexibility, and tax efficiency make them more suitable for long-term goals like your children’s higher education. By carefully selecting a mix of equity and hybrid funds, you can likely achieve your financial goals while maintaining the flexibility to adjust your investments as needed.

Ramalingam Kalirajan |10872 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 05, 2024

Question by Smit - Oct 05, 2024Hindi

Money

Thank you sir for your detailed evaluation and explanation. Please suggest which are better child plans? Can I open mutual fund in my sons name or I have to open in my name and then transfer when they start earning? Does stopping conventional insurance plans in between have any monetory losses?

Ans: When it comes to investing for your child's future, mutual funds via Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are often a far better option compared to traditional child plans like endowment or ULIPs. SIPs offer flexibility, higher growth potential, and liquidity. Here’s why SIPs in mutual funds stand out:

Higher Returns: Mutual funds, especially equity-based, have historically provided better returns than conventional child plans. Over a long horizon of 10-15 years, equity funds can outperform with compounded growth.

Flexibility: Unlike traditional insurance plans, SIPs in mutual funds give you the flexibility to change the amount, increase contributions, or even withdraw in times of need without penalties.

Liquidity: Mutual funds offer easy access to funds when needed for your child's education or other milestones. Traditional child plans usually lock your funds for longer durations.

Can You Open Mutual Funds in Your Son's Name?
Currently, you cannot open a mutual fund account directly in the name of a minor without appointing a guardian (usually the parent). The mutual fund account has to be in the name of the child, but under the supervision of the guardian (you).

Once your child turns 18 and starts earning, the account can be transferred to their name. Until then, you will manage the account, make decisions, and have control over withdrawals.

Process of Opening a Mutual Fund for Your Child
Open a Minor Account: You, as the guardian, can open a mutual fund account in your child's name. The KYC process will require both your and your child’s documents.

Transfer on Adulthood: When your child turns 18, the account can be transferred to their name, and they will take over managing the funds.

SIP in Your Name: Alternatively, you can start SIPs in your own name and later, when your child starts earning, transfer the corpus or investments to their name. However, capital gains tax might apply if you sell units for transfer, so consult a Certified Financial Planner before doing so.

Stopping Conventional Insurance Plans Midway: Monetary Losses
If you're considering stopping conventional insurance plans like endowment or ULIPs, it's important to understand the potential monetary consequences:

Surrender Charges: Traditional plans usually come with surrender charges if you discontinue the policy before the maturity period. These charges can reduce the amount you get back.

Low Returns on Early Surrender: These policies offer returns only when held till maturity. Stopping midway may result in lower payouts than the premiums paid, causing financial loss.

Bonus Forfeiture: Many traditional policies promise bonuses. If you stop the policy early, you may lose out on these accumulated bonuses.

What to Do Instead?
Rather than continuing with low-return child plans or insurance policies, you can:

Switch to Mutual Funds: Move towards SIPs in mutual funds, especially equity-based funds for long-term goals like education. These will offer higher returns over time.

Keep Insurance Separate: Always keep your insurance and investment goals separate. Continue with a term insurance plan for life coverage, and use mutual funds for wealth creation.

Final Thoughts
For your child’s future, SIPs in mutual funds are better than traditional child plans.
You can open a mutual fund in your child’s name, with you as the guardian, and later transfer it when they turn 18.

By choosing the right investment strategies, you can ensure a brighter financial future for your child.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Milind Vadjikar | Answer |Ask -Follow

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 15, 2024Hindi

Money

Why is combining insurance and investment in products like child education or marriage plans considered a bad financial choice, especially since these plans often give less than 5% returns, while safer options like fixed deposits in India offer around 8% interest? What are better ways for people to save for big future expenses like their child's education or marriage, without wasting money on these low-return insurance products that won’t help them achieve their goals?

Ans: Hello;

Mutual funds are the one of best mode of investments for all financial goals.

Insurance agents play on the psyche of parents stating that what will happen to your kids if you are not around tomorrow.

Further they clarify that basic life insurance will suffice only to cover livelihood expenses and for safeguarding kids education you need some additional cover. People get emotional and fall for it.

There is also an element of regulatory arbitrage in play here.

If at all people want to use insurance for achievement of their financial goals, they should opt for ULIP, ULPP rather then traditional endowment products so as to get equity exposure.

I would not compare FD with a child education insurance plan since though the returns are less it covers mortality risk too.

Best wishes;

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.

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Question by Sreelekshmi - Dec 06, 2025Hindi

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Hello, I’m a student who recently joined the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita University. I’m aiming for a strong academic foundation and a clear career path. Could you please guide me on the following: How good is this course for research careers or higher studies (IISc, IITs, abroad)? What are the placement prospects after Integrated M.Sc Physics at Amrita? Does the program help in preparing for alternate options like UPSC, CDS/AFCAT, or technical roles? What skills (coding, research projects, certifications) should I start early to make the most of this degree?

Ans: Sree, Program Overview and Academic Foundation: Congratulations on joining the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita University. This five-year integrated program represents a rigorous pathway designed to equip you with advanced theoretical and experimental physics knowledge combined with cutting-edge scientific computing skills. The curriculum uniquely integrates a minor in Scientific Computing, which adds substantial computational capability to your profile—a critical advantage in today's research and professional landscape. The program incorporates comprehensive coursework spanning classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, advanced laboratory work, and specialized topics in materials physics, optoelectronics, and computational methods, positioning you excellently for both research and professional careers.
Research Career Prospects: IISc, IITs, and Beyond: For research-oriented careers, the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita provides an exceptional foundation. Amrita's curriculum specifically aligns with GATE and UGC-NET examination syllabi, and the institution emphasizes early research engagement. The faculty at Amrita actively publish research in Scopus-indexed journals, with over 60 publications in international venues within the past five years, exposing you to active research environments.
To pursue research at premier institutions like IISc, you would typically follow the PhD pathway. IISc accepts M.Sc graduates through their Integrated PhD programs, and with your Amrita M.Sc, you're eligible to apply. You'll need to qualify the relevant entrance examinations, and your integrated program's emphasis on research fundamentals provides strong preparation. The final year of your Integrated M.Sc is intentionally structured to be nearly free of classroom commitments, enabling engagement with research projects at institutes like IISc, IITs, and National Labs. According to Amrita's data, over 80% of M.Sc Physics students secured internship offers from reputed institutions during academic year 2019-20, directly facilitating research career transitions.
Placement and Direct Employment Opportunities: Amrita University boasts a comprehensive placement ecosystem with strong corporate and government sector connections. According to NIRF placement data for the Amrita Integrated M.Sc program (5-year), the median salary in 2023-24 stood at ?7.2 LPA with approximately 57% placement rate. However, these figures reflect general placement trends; physics graduates often secure higher packages in specialized technical roles. Many graduates join software companies like Infosys (with early offers), Google, and PayPal, where their strong analytical and computational skills command competitive compensation packages ranging from ?8-15 LPA for entry-level positions.
The Department of Corporate and Industrial Relations at Amrita provides intensive three-semester life skills training covering linguistic competence, data interpretation, group discussions, and interview techniques. This structured placement support significantly enhances your employability in both government and private sectors.
Government Sector Opportunities: UPSC, BARC, DRDO, and ISRO: Your M.Sc Physics degree opens multiple avenues for prestigious government employment. UPSC Geophysicist examinations explicitly list M.Sc Physics or Applied Physics as qualifying degrees, enabling you to compete for Group A positions in the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board. The age limit for geophysicist positions is 32 years (with relaxation for reserved categories), and the exam comprises preliminary, main, and interview stages.
BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) actively recruits M.Sc Physics graduates as Scientific Officers and Research Fellows. Recruitment occurs through the BARC Online Test or GATE scores, with positions in nuclear science, radiation protection, and atomic research. BARC Summer Internship programs are available, offering ?5,000-?10,000 monthly stipends with opportunity for future scientist recruitment.
DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization) recruits M.Sc Physics graduates through CEPTAM examinations or GATE scores for roles involving defense technology, weapon systems, and laser physics research. ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) regularly advertises scientist/engineer positions through competitive recruitment for candidates with strong physics backgrounds, offering opportunities in satellite technology and space science applications.
Other significant employers include the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recruiting as scientific officers, and NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited), offering stable government service with competitive compensation packages exceeding ?8-12 LPA for scientists.
Alternate Career Pathways: UPSC, CDS, and AFCAT: UPSC Civil Services (IFS - Indian Forest Service): M.Sc Physics graduates qualify for UPSC Civil Services examinations, with the forest service offering opportunities for science-based administrative roles with potential to reach senior government positions.
CDS/AFCAT (Armed Forces): While AFCAT meteorology branches specifically require "B.Sc with Maths & Physics with 60% minimum marks," the technical branches (Aeronautical Engineering and Ground Duty Technical roles) require graduation/integrated postgraduation in Engineering/Technology. An M.Sc Physics integrates well with technical qualifications, though you would need engineering background for direct officer entry. However, you remain eligible for specialized technical interviews if applying through alternate defence channels.
UGC-NET Examination: This pathway leads to Assistant Professor positions in central universities and colleges across India. NET-qualified candidates receive scholarships of ?31,000/month for 2-year JRF positions with PhD pursuit, transitioning to Assistant Professor salaries of ?41,000/month in government institutions. This route provides long-term academic career security with research opportunities.
Private Sector Technical Roles
M.Sc Physics graduates are increasingly valued in data science, software engineering, and technical consulting. Companies actively recruit physics graduates for software development, where strong problem-solving and logical reasoning translate to competitive packages of ?10-20 LPA. Specialized domains including quantum computing development, financial modeling, and scientific computing offer premium compensation. Your minor in Scientific Computing makes you particularly attractive to technology companies requiring computational expertise.
International Opportunities and Higher Studies Abroad
An M.Sc from Amrita facilitates admission to PhD programs at international institutions. German universities offer tuition-free or low-fee MSc Physics programs (2 years) with scholarships like DAAD providing €850+ monthly stipends. US universities accept M.Sc graduates directly for PhD positions with full funding (tuition coverage + stipend). These pathways require GRE scores and strong Statement of Purpose articulating research interests. Research collaboration opportunities exist with Max Planck Institute (Germany) and CalTech Summer Research Program (USA), both welcoming Indian M.Sc students.
Essential Skills and Certifications to Develop Immediately: Programming Languages: Start learning Python immediately—it's universally used in research and industry. Dedicate 2-3 hours weekly to data analysis, scientific computing libraries (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas), and machine learning fundamentals. MATLAB is equally critical for physics applications, particularly numerical simulations and data visualization. Aim to complete MATLAB certification courses within your first year.
Research Tools: Learn Git/version control, LaTeX for scientific documentation, and data analysis frameworks. These skills are indispensable for publishing research papers and collaborating on projects.
Certifications Worth Pursuing: (1) MATLAB Certification (DIYguru or MathWorks official courses) (2) Python for Data Science (complete certificate programs from platforms like Coursera) (3) Machine Learning Fundamentals (for expanding technical versatility) & (4) Scientific Communication and Technical Writing (develop through departmental workshops)
Strategic Internship Planning: Leverage Amrita's research connections systematically. In your third year, apply to BARC Summer Internship, IISER Internships, TIFR Summer Fellowships, and IIT Internship programs (like IIT Kanpur SURGE). These expose you to frontier research while establishing connections for future PhD or scientist recruitment. Target 2-3 research internships across different specializations to develop versatility.

TO SUM UP, Your Integrated M.Sc Physics degree from Amrita positions you exceptionally well for competitive research careers at IISc/IITs, prestigious government scientist roles at BARC/DRDO/ISRO, and international PhD opportunities. The program's scientific computing emphasis differentiates you in the job market. Immediate priorities: (1) Master Python and MATLAB within the first two years; (2) Engage in research projects starting year 2-3; (3) Target internships at premiere research institutions; (4) Prepare GATE while completing your degree for maximum flexibility in recruitment; (5) Consider UGC-NET for long-term academic stability. Your career trajectory will ultimately depend on developing strong research fundamentals, demonstrating consistent excellence in specialization areas, and strategically selecting internship and research opportunities. The rigorous Amrita program combined with disciplined skill development positions you for exceptional career success across multiple sectors. Choose the most suitable option for you out of the various options available mentioned above. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future!

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Asked on - Dec 07, 2025 | Answered on Dec 07, 2025

Ans: Welcome Sree.

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 07, 2025

Question by Krishu - Dec 05, 2025Hindi

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Maine jee mains session ka form ews apply wale se bhara tha lekin ews nh ban paya aur ab form date bhi khatam ho chuka h aur correction window band ho gya h to kya maine ji form pehle ews wala bhara tha wo form rahega ya rad ho jayega

Ans: Krishu, Your form remains valid for exam participation. NTA doesn't reject forms during registration without certificates. However, during counseling document verification, a missing EWS certificate will automatically shift you to the General category. You cannot change your category now since the correction window closed. Contact NTA immediately for guidance on possible relief measures by mail or by contacting them over phone. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Radheshyam Zanwar |6736 Answers |Ask -Follow

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Question by ANSHU - Dec 06, 2025Hindi

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I am a neet aspirant Sir meri class 12 m physics m repeat thi aur chemistry bio aur English m pass hu toh mene nios k through physics k exam dia m usmin pass hu toh mere pass 2 marksheet hogyin h toh sir neet counselling m koi problem toh nhi aaegi

Ans: As per my knowledge, you will not face any problem in NEET counselling. Passing Physics through NIOS is valid. Just carry both mark sheets for verification. Yet, it is highly recommended to have a single marksheet for PCB to avoid any complications. You did not anything about when you cleared the 12th grade and NIOS examination. It is also not clear that when you are appearing to NEET. Whether you are are fresher or repeater is also not clear. Recommending asking the question in English with clarity to answer it correctly.

Good luck.
Follow me if you receive this reply.
Radheshyam

Asked on - Dec 06, 2025 | Answered on Dec 07, 2025

Sir I completed my 12 in 2024 and I gave my nios exam in oct 2024 in nios marksheet I am passed in physics and sir I am a droper student

Ans: OK. Appear for NEET 2026 and aim to score higher first, and forget what has happened in the past. Think about the verification process after the examination is over; until then, remain cool, calm, and quiet, and focus only on NEET. Best of luck for your bright future ahead.

Dr Nagarajan J S K |2576 Answers |Ask -Follow

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Question by swarnesh - Dec 04, 2025Hindi

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hi sir, wish to know the careeer option for my daughter after 12th PCB, apart from NEET what are the other ExamsPCB stream , she can appear. please guide .

Ans: Hi Swamesh,
Please wait a few more days; changes have occurred in the education sector, particularly regarding NEET. Several courses have been added, and you need to obtain eligibility through NEET to pursue them. I will share the details within a few days.
BEST REGARDS

Mihir Tanna |1090 Answers |Ask -Follow

Tax Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 04, 2025Hindi

Money

Tax returns ka confirmation nahi aya it department se

Ans: It may be under review. Many returns are still under process.

Ramalingam Kalirajan |10872 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi

Money

Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000

Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

Radheshyam Zanwar |6736 Answers |Ask -Follow

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 04, 2025Hindi

Career

Hello sir, i am a NEET aspirant and in 11th........but these past months i have left one coaching to join other but have not been able to accomodate so now i will be starting fresh and doing self study.....i want to go to afmc....pls guide me regarding everything....pls pls really urgent, would appreciate it.

Ans: Starting afresh in 11th class is completely fine, but initially focus on strong NCERT fundamentals for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology through daily self-study, consistent revision, and weekly mock tests. Aim for the NEET cutoff plus medical fitness standards for AFMC, build physical fitness alongside academics, and maintain discipline with a clear daily routine to stay on track. Usually, switching between coaching institutes is not recommended, but if there are serious issues with teachers, it's understandable to make a change. However, success does not solely depend on the coaching institute; dedicated studying is essential. Self-study with passion, consistency, completing the syllabus on time, extensive revision, and practising past papers are crucial for cracking the exam. If you have that strong desire, you can attempt NEET; otherwise, choose your path without hesitation. NEET is not the ultimate measure of success in life.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar |6736 Answers |Ask -Follow

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Question by Shriyansh - Dec 04, 2025Hindi

Career

I am aiming pec chd cse data science which on josaa shows to open at 16000 and closed at 19000 ews rank. How hard is to achieve this rank. Is it possible with boards prep? Do consider these are ews category ranks not crl rank , so any guess about crl and overall percentile?

Ans: Getting an EWS rank of 16k–19k is moderately tough and usually needs 90–93 percentile (90k–110k CRL), which is very difficult with only boards preparation and typically requires focused JEE-level practice. One should have a burning desire, dedicated motivation, and a target to achieve the goal. Without these parameters, not possible to achieve success in JEE. Hence, around 95% studentsare are unable to achieve the target of cracking the examination. From your question, it is not clear that where you are aiming for 2026 or 2027 examination.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar |6736 Answers |Ask -Follow

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Question by Amit - Dec 05, 2025Hindi

Career

My son while filling the application form for JEE Mains2026 , has inadvertently added the prefixes Mr. and Mrs. before his parents’ names. However, in both the Aadhaar card and the Matriculation certificate, the names of his parents appear without any prefixes. He missed to do the correction in the correction window timeline. Will he be allowed to sit in the exam and any challenge during JOSSA counselling, if yes, what is remedial action for this.?

Ans: Please do not worry. He will be allowed to appear for JEE Mains and will be allowed to participate in JoSAA counselling. Just submit an affidavit/self-declaration with Aadhaar and matric certificates during document verification to clarify the prefix discrepancy. Yet, recommended to fill the application form very carefully by taking the help of an expert. If NTA opens the correction windows once again, then try for the same. Keep a close eye on the NTA JEE site.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Dr Dipankar Dutta |1837 Answers |Ask -Follow

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Question by Murari - Dec 05, 2025Hindi

Career

Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.

Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

See more questions »

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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