I am 47; I have just invested (lump sum) one month back in Quant Quantamental Fund (Growth, direct). Please advise about this fund. Thank you

Ans: Pavitra Madam, your daughter's rank of 32,000 presents challenging prospects for BMS College of Engineering and other top 5 colleges for Mechanical Engineering . BMS College of Engineering Mechanical Engineering cutoff was 6,079 in 2024, expected to range 6,000-6,500 in 2025, making admission highly unlikely with rank 32,000 . Top 5 COMEDK colleges including RVCE (cutoff 4,000-4,500), MSRIT (cutoff 8,400-8,900), DSCE (cutoff 17,000-18,000), and BIT (cutoff 25,500-26,500) remain inaccessible . However, 10 colleges accessible with rank 32,000 include: RNS Institute of Technology (34,500-35,500 cutoff, placement data unavailable), JSS Academy of Technical Education (34,500-35,500 cutoff, placement statistics not disclosed), Reva University (35,000-36,000 cutoff, moderate placement rates), B.N.M. Institute of Technology (37,000-38,000 cutoff, average 5 LPA packages), Ballari Institute of Technology (38,500-39,500 cutoff, limited placement data), KNS Institute of Technology (40,000-41,000 cutoff, basic placement support), Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology (44,000-45,000 cutoff, regional placements), KLS Gogte Institute (44,500-45,500 cutoff, decent core placements), Vidyavardhaka College (50,000-51,000 cutoff, moderate outcomes), and Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute (52,000-53,000 cutoff, limited exposure) . New Horizon College of Engineering demonstrates 90% placement rate with 200 recruiters participating, 1,605 offers made in 2025, highest package 42.5 LPA, and BTech median salary 4.60 LPA for mechanical engineering with 80-85% placement consistency . Recommendation: Choose New Horizon College of Engineering for assured admission, superior placement consistency, proximity advantages, and cost-effectiveness compared to uncertain admission prospects at top-tier colleges with rank 32,000. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: For Computer Science Engineering (CSE), SRM University Modinagar generally offers better prospects in terms of placements and overall academic experience. While NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) may have a strong reputation, SRM's more focused technical environment and broader placement network can be advantageous for CSE students.

Ans: You have multiple questions. I think you need offline counselling from me which will be elaborative. Best of luck. Professor

Ans: With a percentile of 99.95 and a rank of 746 in JEE Advanced as a female OBC candidate, you have a strong chance of getting Computer Science (CSE) in a top IIT like IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, or IIT Bombay. Given your high percentile and good rank, you could also consider IIT Kanpur and IIT Kharagpur for CSE.

Ans: or most students, VIT-AP (CAT 3) for CSE is generally considered the better option over SRM KTR for Electronic and Computer Engineering. VIT-AP, while a newer campus, benefits from the strong reputation of the main VIT Vellore and often has stronger placements, particularly in the tech sector. However, the best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities. Best of luck. Professor

Ans: or Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET) is generally considered the better choice compared to Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT). Thapar is known for its higher rankings, placement rates, and overall academic reputation in the field of Biotechnology. For elaborate counselling you need 1 to 1 offline counselling from me. Best of luck. Professor

Ans: It is always smart to ask such questions before continuing long-term investments.

You are investing through a financial intermediary. In your case, it is Prudent Corporate Advisory Services Ltd.

Rather than focusing on the company name, it is better to evaluate the platform using clear parameters.

Let us now go through the key points you must check before continuing with any mutual fund intermediary.

1. Regulatory Registrations
Check if the intermediary is registered with AMFI.

They should have a valid ARN (AMFI Registration Number).

They must also be registered with SEBI as a distributor.

These give basic regulatory safety to your transactions.

2. Access to Your Folios
You must have direct access to your mutual fund folios.

The folios should be in your name, not the intermediary’s.

You should be able to check your funds via AMC websites or CAMS/KFintech.

Your mobile number, PAN, and email should be correctly registered.

3. Transparency of Plans
Confirm whether your investments are in Regular Plans or Direct Plans.

If it is Direct Plan, there is no commission or advisory.

If it is Regular Plan, confirm if advisory and service are being provided.

Know what you are paying and what you are receiving in return.

4. Statement and Tracking Support
You should get regular statements from the platform or the AMC.

You should be able to track all your investments from one place.

They should help you access CAS (Consolidated Account Statement) as needed.

5. Exit Support
In case the intermediary shuts down, check if you can continue SIPs directly.

A good platform allows easy transfer of folios to another advisor.

There should be no confusion or hassle if you wish to exit the platform.

6. Service and Advisory
Are you getting goal-based financial planning advice or only transactional support?

Does the intermediary offer regular review meetings?

Is your asset allocation being adjusted based on life goals?

Do you have access to a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)?

These factors matter more than the brand or company name.

7. Data Security and Platform Stability
Check how your personal and investment data is stored.

Is the platform technology secure and encrypted?

What are the backup options if the platform stops service?

8. Ownership and Control
Always ensure you control your investments, not the intermediary.

Even if a platform discontinues, you should have all access via CAMS/KFintech.

Be cautious if your data is stored only within the platform and not linked to AMCs.

9. Conflict of Interest
Check if they are recommending funds from all AMCs or only select few.

A good intermediary recommends funds based on your needs, not commissions.

Ask questions if you see biased suggestions or frequent fund switches.

10. Emergency Readiness
Can you redeem funds easily during emergencies?

Will someone guide you if the platform is unavailable?

Does the intermediary have a clear exit support system?

Final Insights
It is not the company name that protects your wealth. It is the system behind it. Whether you continue with this platform or not depends on how well they meet these ten parameters. Check each carefully. If they meet all, you can continue. If not, explore better options. The final choice should depend on transparency, access, safety, service and support.

You must always have full control and clarity about your money. That is true wealth safety.

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

Ans: With 148 marks on the IAT, your chances of getting into IISc Bhopal are not guaranteed, but they are still possible. IISc Bhopal is a highly competitive institution, and a score of 148 might be enough to secure admission in the later rounds of the allocation process, depending on the competition and the specific category of the applicant. Best of luck. Professor

Ans: For Computer Science Engineering (CSE), JIIT Noida 128 Campus is generally considered a better option than GL Bajaj Greater Noida. JIIT has a higher NIRF ranking and is known for its strong focus on research and emerging technologies in computing and IT. GL Bajaj is also a good institution, but JIIT's reputation and higher rankings in CSE make it a more desirable choice for aspiring CSE students.