I am 43 years old and would like to invest till I retire at 58 and expect a decent return of at least 12%.

Please find below my mf basket, and advise whether the funds in the basket are good ones or not.

• Axis Long term Equity Fund (Tax Saving) Direct Plan Growth - 500/M
• Aditya Birla Sun Life Tax relief 96 Direct Plan Growth - 500/M
• PGIM Midcap Opportunities Fund Direct growth - 1000/M
• Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth - 500/M
• Parag Parikh Flexi cap Direct Growth - 1000/M
• Quant Active Fund Growth Option Direct Fund - 1000/M
• ICICI Prudential Commodities Fund Direct growth - 300/M
• Kotak Bluechip Diect growth - 1000/M
• Navi Nifty Next 50 Index Fund Direct Growth - 500/M
• Tata Digital India Fund Direct Growth - 1000/M

Ans: Interest is key: If he enjoys Maths, Physics, Chemistry and wants a research-oriented future → IISER is ideal.

If he prefers job-ready programs, programming, or wants to get placed in companies like TCS, Infosys, Amazon → CSE via COMEDK is better.

Ans: You can apply to NSU Jamshedpur as a last-resort affordable private option, but only if:

You are not getting a seat in state government colleges

You cannot afford mid-tier private colleges like KIIT, SRM, Amrita, etc.

You're aware of its limitations in placements and recognition

Ans: With a COMEDK rank of 8000, it is difficult to get top-tier government colleges for CSE (Computer Science and Engineering) under COMEDK since most of the best government or aided engineering colleges in Karnataka either do not participate in COMEDK or have very high closing ranks (much lower than 8000) for CSE.

Ans: Go with KIIT CSE

Ans: Wait till JoSAA Round 6 is over

See if any seat is allotted (even in lower branches/NITs).

Register for CSAB Special Round (usually opens around end of July)

Keep all branches open, even lower branches.

Prioritize: Government seats > Lower branch > Remote location

Avoid costly private universities unless 100% scholarships (since budget is a concern)

Ans: If your daughter/son is serious about ECE as a core discipline, MIT Manipal is a better choice despite the higher fees.

Ans: Go for LNMIIT Jaipur – CSE

Ans: HI Soumen,
Bit difficult.
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Ans: HI
Simply taking a drop year for NEET will not provide a solution without proper preparation. Many young people are choosing courses, colleges, or coaching centers based on their friends' influences. After your first attempt, you may have analyzed NEET better the second time. If you are still facing the same issues on your third attempt, it suggests there's a deeper problem. It seems you're preparing for NEET without genuine interest.

To succeed in competitive exams, specific strategies are required. For instance, if you analyze previous exam patterns, you’ll often find that most answers tend to be either B or C. You'll notice that among four options, two answers are relevant while the other two are completely irrelevant. It’s crucial to analyze the syllabus and past question papers thoroughly. Everyone seeks answers, but few consider the reasoning behind them.

Additionally, I noticed you’ve enrolled in a B.Sc. degree; I'm unsure which major you have chosen. If you selected either chemistry or physics, it would be beneficial. By choosing chemistry as your major, you could take physics as an ancillary subject, and vice versa. You can cover both subjects during your college education, and if you have any doubts, you can clarify them with your professors. Completing biology studies at home is also advisable.

Whenever you plan to take competitive exams, dedicate your time solely to that without engaging in college activities. Avoid distractions at all costs. Recently, many parents have been facing these types of challenges with their children, and it takes time to adapt.

Finally, please listen to your parents' advice and minimize distractions. I have shared a few tips; please follow them.
BEST WISHES.