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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 08, 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 - Jul 08, 2024Hindi
Money

I am 52 years old. My current salary is 1.40 lacs per month. I will retire at 60. I dont any loan in my name. My both childrens are dping job. I am iving in rental house. Want to get regular income of Rs 2 lacs per month after retirement. Plz suggest investment to achive the goal.

Ans: Firstly, congratulations on being financially disciplined and having no loans. Living in a rental house and planning for a secure retirement shows great foresight. Your focus on achieving a regular income post-retirement is commendable.

Overview of Current Situation
Age: 52 years old
Salary: Rs. 1.40 lakhs per month
Retirement Age: 60 years
Dependents: None (both children are employed)
Current Residence: Rental house
Loans: None
Goal: Rs. 2 Lakhs Monthly Payout After Retirement
Your goal is to secure a regular income of Rs. 2 lakhs per month after retirement. Let’s devise a plan to achieve this.

Investment Strategy
Mutual Funds: The Power of Compounding
Mutual funds are a crucial component of your investment strategy. They offer the benefits of diversification, professional management, and the power of compounding.

Advantages of Mutual Funds:

Diversification: Spread risk across various sectors and companies.
Professional Management: Expert fund managers handle your investments.
Liquidity: Easy to buy and sell units.
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs): Regular investment helps in rupee cost averaging.
Categories of Mutual Funds:

Equity Funds: High returns but higher risk. Suitable for long-term growth.
Debt Funds: Lower risk, stable returns. Ideal for stability and income.
Hybrid Funds: Mix of equity and debt. Balanced growth and risk.
Recommendation:

Equity Mutual Funds: Invest a significant portion in equity mutual funds for long-term growth. They have the potential for high returns.
Debt Mutual Funds: Allocate a portion to debt funds for stability and regular income. They provide a cushion against market volatility.
Hybrid Mutual Funds: Consider hybrid funds for a balanced approach. They offer growth potential with reduced risk.
Shares: Active Management and Dividend Income
Investing in shares can provide high returns and dividend income. Active management of your stock portfolio is essential.

Advantages of Direct Stocks:

Potential for High Returns: Direct exposure to company performance.
Dividend Income: Additional cash flow from dividends.
Recommendation:

Diversification: Diversify your stock portfolio across sectors to mitigate risk.
Blue-Chip Stocks: Invest in blue-chip companies for stability and growth.
Regular Review: Stay updated with market trends and company performance.
Fixed Deposits and Bonds: Stability and Security
Fixed deposits (FDs) and bonds are safe investment options providing stability and security.

Advantages:

Safety: Low-risk investment options.
Fixed Returns: Predictable interest income.
Recommendation:

Fixed Deposits: Maintain a portion of your savings in FDs for safety and liquidity.
Bonds: Consider investing in government or high-rated corporate bonds for regular interest income.
Insurance and Guaranteed Schemes
Having adequate insurance cover is crucial for financial security. Guaranteed schemes provide assured returns.

Advantages:

Financial Security: Protects against unforeseen events.
Guaranteed Returns: Assured maturity amount for planned goals.
Recommendation:

Insurance: Ensure you have sufficient life and health insurance cover.
Guaranteed Schemes: Invest in schemes offering guaranteed returns for a secure future.
Liquid Assets: Emergency Fund
Maintaining liquid assets (FD, gold, RD) ensures you have an emergency fund.

Advantages:

Liquidity: Easily accessible in emergencies.
Security: Safe investment options.
Recommendation:

Emergency Fund: Keep an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses.
Liquid Investments: Invest surplus liquid assets in mutual funds or stocks for higher returns.
Financial Planning for Monthly Payout
Estimating Future Needs
To achieve a monthly payout of Rs. 2 lakhs after retirement, we need a well-structured plan. Let’s explore different strategies.

Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP)
SWPs from mutual funds can provide regular income post-retirement.

Advantages:

Regular Income: Monthly payouts.
Tax Efficiency: Lower tax on long-term capital gains.
Recommendation:

SWP: Invest a portion of your corpus in mutual funds with SWP options. Choose funds with a good track record and stable returns.
Dividend Income
Your stock portfolio can generate regular dividend income.

Recommendation:

Dividend-Paying Stocks: Invest in dividend-paying stocks. Reinvest dividends for compounding benefits.
Interest Income from Fixed Deposits and Bonds
Fixed deposits and bonds can provide regular interest income.

Recommendation:

Interest Income: Use interest from FDs and bonds as a part of your regular income.
Rental Income Management
If you decide to invest in rental properties, manage rental income effectively.

Recommendation:

Rental Properties: Ensure timely rent collection and regular reviews of rental agreements.
Additional Income Streams
Explore additional income streams to supplement your monthly payout.

Options:

Consulting: Use your expertise for consulting roles.
Part-Time Work: Explore flexible, part-time opportunities.
Risk Management and Diversification
Diversifying Investments
Diversify across asset classes to manage risk.

Recommendation:

Asset Allocation: Balance between equity, debt, and other investments. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio.
Risk Assessment
Assess and manage risks associated with your investments.

Recommendation:

Stay Informed: Keep abreast of market trends. Consult with a Certified Financial Planner for regular reviews.
Final Insights
Your disciplined approach and diversified portfolio are impressive. With careful planning, you can achieve your goal of Rs. 2 lakhs monthly payout after retirement. Continue leveraging mutual funds, stocks, and other investments. Regularly review your portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure you stay on track.

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.
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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 16, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I plan to retire in 2 yrs time .im 53 now . I will have a corpus of 4 crores by that time. If i need to get an income of 1 lac , what are possibilities of investment. I have no liabilities in terms of any loans . My wife is a homemaker and my son will be in his first year of engineering this year and i Have set across separate funds for his education
Ans: Planning for Retirement Income
Congratulations on nearing retirement with a substantial corpus. Generating a steady income of ?1 lakh per month from a ?4 crore corpus is achievable with careful planning. Let's explore some investment possibilities to achieve this goal.

Diversified Investment Strategy
A diversified investment strategy can help manage risk and provide a steady income. Consider a mix of the following:

Fixed Deposits and Debt Funds
Fixed Deposits (FDs) and debt funds offer stability and guaranteed returns. Allocate a portion of your corpus to FDs and high-quality debt funds to ensure a reliable income stream. Debt funds, especially short-term and ultra-short-term funds, offer better liquidity and tax efficiency compared to FDs.

Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) from Mutual Funds
Mutual Funds, particularly hybrid funds (balanced funds), can provide growth and income. Using a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from these funds allows you to withdraw a fixed amount regularly. This method can offer both capital appreciation and regular income. Opt for funds with a good track record and consistent performance.

Monthly Income Schemes (MIS)
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) is a government-backed investment offering a fixed monthly income. It is a low-risk investment, suitable for retirees seeking guaranteed returns. The interest rates are periodically revised, and it provides assured returns.

Dividend-paying Stocks and Equity Funds
Investing in dividend-paying stocks or equity mutual funds with a focus on dividend yields can provide regular income. Although dividends are subject to market risks, selecting well-established companies with a history of stable dividends can be beneficial.

Senior Citizens’ Saving Scheme (SCSS)
SCSS is a government-backed savings instrument specifically for senior citizens. It offers attractive interest rates and provides regular quarterly interest payments. The current interest rates are attractive, making it a viable option for a portion of your corpus.

Balanced Portfolio Allocation
To achieve an income of ?1 lakh per month, a balanced portfolio allocation is crucial. Here is a suggested allocation:

Fixed Deposits and Debt Funds: 30-40% for stability and guaranteed returns.

SWPs from Mutual Funds: 30-40% for growth and regular income.

Dividend-paying Stocks and Equity Funds: 20-30% for potential growth and dividend income.

Annuities and SCSS: 20-30% for guaranteed income.

Assessing Risk Tolerance
Evaluate your risk tolerance. Given your proximity to retirement, it’s advisable to lean towards conservative investments. However, a small exposure to equities can help combat inflation and provide capital growth.

Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly monitor and rebalance your portfolio. As you withdraw from your investments, it’s essential to review their performance and adjust allocations to maintain a balanced risk and return profile.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial situation. They can help optimize your portfolio, ensuring it aligns with your risk tolerance and income requirements.

Conclusion
With a well-planned investment strategy, achieving a monthly income of ?1 lakh is feasible. Diversify your investments, assess your risk tolerance, and consult a Certified Financial Planner for tailored advice. Your diligent savings and thoughtful planning will help you enjoy a comfortable retirement.

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 May 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 24, 2024Hindi
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Money
I will retire in 3 years ,in june 2027 & will have a corpus of around 3.5 Cr invested in PPF, EPF ,Supper Annuation Fund & MF . I live in my own flat ,currently market value of Rs 1.8 Cr . I also have an inherited flat from my parent valued at Rs80 lakhs . I need a monthly income of Rs 2.0 lacs after retirement . Please suggest way to invest
Ans: Congratulations on your impending retirement and the substantial corpus you've accumulated across various investment avenues. Planning for a comfortable post-retirement income is essential, and I'm here to offer guidance on how to achieve your financial goals.

With a corpus of around 3.5 crores invested in PPF, EPF, Superannuation Fund, and mutual funds, you have a solid foundation for retirement. Additionally, owning your own flat with a market value of Rs. 1.8 crores and an inherited flat valued at Rs. 80 lakhs provides further financial security.

To generate a monthly income of Rs. 2.0 lakhs after retirement, you'll need to ensure your investments are structured to provide a consistent stream of income while preserving capital for the long term.

Given your investment horizon of 3 years until retirement, it's crucial to adopt a balanced approach that combines both growth and income-generating assets. Here are some suggestions:

Dividend-Paying Mutual Funds: Allocate a portion of your corpus towards dividend-paying mutual funds, focusing on both equity and debt funds. These funds provide regular income through dividend payouts while also offering the potential for capital appreciation.

Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP): Consider setting up SWPs from your mutual fund investments to meet your monthly income requirement post-retirement. SWPs allow you to withdraw a fixed amount periodically, ensuring a steady stream of income while keeping your investments intact.

Rental Income: Utilize the rental income from your inherited flat to supplement your monthly income post-retirement. If feasible, you may also explore renting out a portion of your own flat to generate additional income.

Fixed Deposits and Bonds: Allocate a portion of your corpus towards fixed deposits and bonds to provide stability and ensure liquidity. Opt for instruments with varying maturities to create a ladder that aligns with your income needs.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Consider investing in REITs, which offer exposure to income-generating commercial real estate properties. REITs provide regular dividends and the potential for capital appreciation, enhancing your overall income stream.

Regular Review and Adjustment: Regularly review your investment portfolio and make necessary adjustments to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to optimize your investment strategy and navigate the complexities of retirement planning.

By diversifying your investment portfolio across multiple asset classes and implementing income-generating strategies, you can work towards achieving your goal of a monthly income of Rs. 2.0 lakhs post-retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 07, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello, I am 49 yrs old having wife (homemaker) and one son 13 yrs. I want to retire by age of 55 yrs. I have adequate health Insurance for family also have company health insurance. I have PPF 20 lacs approx., MF 30 lacs, Rental income 25K monthly, Direct Equity 50K, Emergency FD 2 lacs. Have 11 yrs remaining on housing loan EMI 25K. My in hand salary is 1.10K monthly. I want to get 1 lac per month after retirement. Please advice.
Ans: You have done well to build a strong financial base. Your savings and investments are diverse, and you also have rental income to support your retirement. Let's break down your current assets and liabilities:

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs 20 lakhs
Mutual Funds: Rs 30 lakhs
Rental Income: Rs 25,000 monthly
Direct Equity: Rs 50,000
Emergency Fixed Deposit: Rs 2 lakhs
Home Loan: 11 years remaining with an EMI of Rs 25,000
Monthly Salary: Rs 1.10 lakhs in hand
You also mentioned having adequate health insurance for your family, which is essential for financial security.

Retirement Goal: Rs 1 Lakh Per Month
You plan to retire at the age of 55, and your goal is to generate Rs 1 lakh per month after retirement. Let's now assess how to achieve that.

Assessment of Income and Expenses Post-Retirement
You will continue to receive Rs 25,000 per month from rental income. Therefore, the remaining Rs 75,000 per month will need to come from your investments.

Your current home loan is an ongoing liability, with an EMI of Rs 25,000. It would be ideal to explore prepayment options or at least ensure that this EMI doesn’t stretch too far into your retirement.

Now let’s focus on optimizing your investments and income sources.

Evaluate Your Investments
Your portfolio is quite diversified, with investments in PPF, mutual funds, direct equity, and a fixed deposit for emergencies. However, some adjustments may be needed to generate a regular income of Rs 75,000 per month after retirement.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
The current PPF balance of Rs 20 lakhs is a safe and tax-efficient investment.
Continue contributing to PPF, but remember that its lock-in period and lower liquidity make it less ideal for regular income.
Mutual Funds
Your Rs 30 lakhs in mutual funds will play a crucial role in achieving your retirement income goals.
Since mutual funds have the potential for higher returns, maintaining and growing this corpus is important.
You can opt for a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) post-retirement. This will allow you to withdraw a fixed amount regularly without depleting the principal too fast.
Regularly review the performance of your mutual funds. Focus on actively managed funds rather than index funds, as actively managed funds can potentially outperform in the long term.
Direct Equity
Your Rs 50,000 in direct equity is a small portion of your portfolio.
Direct equity investments can be volatile, and since the amount is relatively small, you might not want to rely on it for regular income.
Consider shifting a portion of this to mutual funds for better risk management through professional fund managers. Regular funds managed by mutual fund distributors (MFDs) who are certified financial planners (CFPs) are often better for long-term growth.
Fixed Deposit for Emergencies
Your Rs 2 lakh fixed deposit is useful as an emergency buffer.
Keep this fund intact and do not use it for income generation. It's always wise to have 6-12 months’ worth of expenses in liquid, easily accessible funds.
Home Loan Strategy
The EMI of Rs 25,000 per month is a significant expense. With 11 years left on the loan, this will continue well into your retirement unless paid off earlier. Here's what you can consider:

Prepaying the loan: If feasible, use some of your current salary or rental income to prepay a portion of the home loan. Reducing this liability before retirement will ease the financial burden later.
If prepaying is not possible, ensure that your post-retirement income can comfortably cover the EMI.
Retirement Corpus Requirement
Assuming you need Rs 75,000 per month from your investments (since Rs 25,000 will come from rent), you will need to build a sufficient corpus by the time you retire. The corpus should be able to generate this amount through systematic withdrawals and interest income.

With inflation and other factors in mind, a rough estimate suggests that you will need a retirement corpus of around Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore to safely generate Rs 75,000 per month. Let's now explore how to build this corpus over the next six years.

Investment Strategies to Build Your Retirement Corpus
Increase Contributions to Mutual Funds
Currently, you have Rs 30 lakhs in mutual funds. Over the next six years, this can grow significantly, depending on market conditions.
Consider increasing your monthly contributions to mutual funds. This will help you build a larger corpus by the time you retire.
Opt for equity-focused mutual funds for long-term growth. Equities tend to outperform other asset classes over longer periods.
Keep a balance between mid-cap, small-cap, and large-cap funds to optimize your returns. Avoid index funds as they may provide lower returns compared to actively managed funds.
Use Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) will help you build your corpus in a disciplined manner.
By investing regularly, you will also benefit from rupee cost averaging, which helps mitigate the impact of market volatility.
Avoid Direct Equity for Regular Income
Direct equity investments can be unpredictable and volatile. Since your goal is to generate regular income, avoid relying on direct equity.
Shift a portion of your direct equity investments into safer options like mutual funds managed by professionals. Regular mutual funds, managed by MFDs who are certified financial planners (CFPs), provide more stability and better risk management compared to direct equity or index funds.
Rental Income and Real Estate
Your Rs 25,000 rental income will be a steady source of income post-retirement.
Consider increasing the rent periodically to keep up with inflation.
Inflation and Rising Costs
It’s crucial to factor in inflation when planning for retirement. While you might need Rs 1 lakh per month today, the cost of living will rise in the future. Therefore, building a larger corpus than initially expected is always a good strategy.

Your rental income and systematic withdrawals from your mutual funds should help mitigate the impact of inflation, but do review your plan every few years to ensure you're on track.

Additional Considerations for Retirement Planning
Emergency Fund
You have an emergency FD of Rs 2 lakhs, which is a good start. However, as you get closer to retirement, it may be worth increasing this to cover at least 6-12 months of living expenses. This way, you won’t need to dip into your retirement savings for any urgent needs.

Health Insurance
You mentioned having adequate health insurance, including company-provided coverage. After retirement, you won’t have employer-provided coverage. Therefore, consider enhancing your health insurance coverage before you retire. This will protect you and your family from any unexpected medical expenses post-retirement.

Taxation of Investments
Your post-retirement income will be subject to taxation. Here’s a quick overview of how your investments will be taxed:

Rental Income: Taxed as per your income tax slab.
Mutual Funds (Equity): Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh will be taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
PPF: Interest earned is tax-free.
Fixed Deposit Interest: Taxed as per your income tax slab.
Ensure that your withdrawals and income sources are tax-efficient. A certified financial planner can help you optimize your tax liability in retirement.

Finally
You are on the right path toward a comfortable retirement. With a few strategic adjustments, you can achieve your goal of Rs 1 lakh per month after retirement. Focus on growing your mutual fund investments and paying down your home loan, while also keeping a strong emergency fund in place.

By maintaining a well-diversified portfolio and periodically reviewing your plan, you will be well-prepared for your retirement at 55.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 09, 2025Hindi
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Money
Hi - I am 52 years old planning to retire by 55 years. I am looking for the monthly source of 1.5 - 2 lakhs per month post my retirement ( without any PF/ Pension disbursement). I have around 50 L liquid money (Cash/ FDs/ other investment). I have 3 flats (worth around 5 cr) and plot with value around 1 cr. I am currently earning 4 L per month in hand salary. At this time, only liabiloty is my child college education which will be around 40 lacs in next 3 years. Can you suggest me investment options which will start giving me atleast 1.5 lakh per month income post 55 year of age. Thanks !!
Ans: You have done well in building a strong financial base. You have a good mix of assets. Your goal of generating Rs. 1.5-2 lakh per month after retirement is achievable. Proper planning will ensure financial stability.

Let’s analyse your current situation and find the best investment options.

Understanding Your Financial Position
You have Rs. 50 lakh in liquid assets.
You own three flats worth Rs. 5 crore.
You have a plot worth Rs. 1 crore.
Your only major liability is Rs. 40 lakh for your child’s education.
You are earning Rs. 4 lakh per month.
You want Rs. 1.5-2 lakh per month after retirement.
Your investment plan should balance risk and returns. It should also provide stable income.

Managing Immediate Financial Requirements
You need Rs. 40 lakh for your child’s education in the next three years.
Keep this amount in a safe instrument.
Use a mix of debt mutual funds and bank deposits.
Do not invest this amount in equity as your time frame is short.
This will ensure the required funds are available when needed.
Creating a Reliable Monthly Income
You need to generate at least Rs. 1.5 lakh per month. That means Rs. 18 lakh per year.

Your existing flats can provide rental income.
If you earn Rs. 75,000-1 lakh per month from rent, the shortfall will be Rs. 50,000-1.25 lakh.
The shortfall must be covered through investments.
To generate this income, we will use different investment instruments.

Allocating Liquid Assets
After setting aside Rs. 40 lakh, you will have Rs. 10 lakh left.
This amount should be used to create an emergency fund.
Keep 6-12 months of expenses in a mix of FD and liquid mutual funds.
This will act as a safety net.
Investing for Regular Monthly Income
Since you will retire in three years, a balanced investment approach is needed.

Debt-Oriented Investments
Invest a portion in debt mutual funds.
These provide stable returns and easy liquidity.
Debt funds are more tax-efficient than FDs.
Choose a mix of short-duration and medium-duration funds.
Dividend-Paying Mutual Funds
Invest a portion in mutual funds that provide regular payouts.
Choose actively managed equity mutual funds with a good track record.
This ensures capital growth and inflation-beating returns.
Withdraw through a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) for tax efficiency.
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
After you turn 60, you can invest in SCSS.
It offers regular interest payouts.
This is a safe and government-backed scheme.
RBI Floating Rate Bonds
These are safe and provide fixed income.
They adjust interest rates based on market conditions.
The interest is taxable, but safety is high.
Using Your Real Estate Assets
Rental income can be a key source of cash flow.
Check if rental yield is low (below 3%).
If returns are low, selling one property and reinvesting may be better.
Invest proceeds in diversified financial assets.
This will generate better returns than rental income alone.
Tax Efficiency and Withdrawal Strategy
Plan your withdrawals smartly to reduce taxes.
Use SWP in mutual funds instead of taking full redemptions.
SWP is more tax-efficient than bank interest or rent.
Spread withdrawals across multiple instruments.
This will reduce tax liability over time.
Health and Insurance Considerations
Ensure you have adequate health insurance.
Medical costs rise with age, so a higher coverage is needed.
A separate health fund of Rs. 10-15 lakh is recommended.
Adjusting Investments Over Time
Your portfolio should evolve based on market conditions.
After retirement, gradually shift more towards safe instruments.
Review the income generation every year.
If expenses rise, adjust investments accordingly.
Finally
You have a strong financial base. Proper allocation will ensure a stable income after retirement.

Use rental income as a primary cash flow source.
Invest in mutual funds and bonds for extra income.
Use SWP for tax-efficient withdrawals.
Keep an emergency fund for unexpected needs.
With the right strategy, you can enjoy financial freedom post-retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

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Nayagam P

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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!

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1841 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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