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65-Year-Old Retiree with No Pension: How to Generate Rs. 50,000 Monthly Income?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 07, 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
Charanjeet Question by Charanjeet on Dec 07, 2024Hindi
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I am 65 year age retired and have no pension. I have made investment in few govt schemes and get some regular income by way of interest but due to inflation and low interest rates scenario emerging pl suggest basket of investment to get regular monthly income of Rs 50000 . I have handsome amount in ppf account which is about to mature

Ans: Your situation reflects prudent planning with investments in government schemes and a maturing PPF. However, inflation and low interest rates demand a diversified strategy for consistent and inflation-adjusted income.

Steps to Achieve Rs. 50,000 Monthly Income
1. Reassess Your Current Investments

Evaluate the performance of your government schemes and compare their returns.
Retain investments offering guaranteed and steady income, like Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) or Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS).
Redeploy funds from low-yield investments to more productive avenues.
2. Utilise the Maturing PPF

PPF offers tax-free corpus. Use this to create a diversified portfolio for stable income and growth.
Split the PPF corpus into equity mutual funds and safer debt instruments.
3. Diversify with Debt and Hybrid Funds

Invest in conservative hybrid funds to generate regular income and protect capital.
Include short-term and medium-term debt funds for steady returns, which are higher than fixed deposits.
4. Set Up a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

Use equity or hybrid mutual funds to set up SWPs.
An SWP ensures a steady monthly income while your capital continues to grow.
5. Consider Dividend-Yielding Funds

Dividend-paying mutual funds offer periodic cash flow and potential for capital appreciation.
6. Fixed Income Instruments for Safety

SCSS: Offers assured returns and is tailor-made for senior citizens. Invest up to Rs. 30 lakh as a couple.
POMIS: Provides reliable income for smaller investments.
7. Include Tax-Free Bonds

Invest in high-quality tax-free bonds for steady, tax-efficient interest.
Creating the Income Plan
To achieve Rs. 50,000 per month:

Allocate a portion of funds to safer options like SCSS, POMIS, and tax-free bonds for stability.
Use equity and hybrid funds for growth and inflation protection.
Combine these with SWPs for regular income.
Tax Planning
Interest from SCSS and POMIS is taxable, so invest carefully.
Equity mutual funds have tax-efficient withdrawal options.
Debt funds offer indexation benefits for long-term investments.
Emergency and Health Fund
Keep at least 12 months of expenses in a liquid fund for emergencies.
Maintain your health insurance to handle rising medical costs.
Final Insight

A mix of secure instruments, mutual funds, and systematic withdrawals can comfortably generate Rs. 50,000 monthly income. Periodically review your plan with a Certified Financial Planner to adapt to changing needs and market conditions.

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 06, 2024

Money
Sir I am 56 years old,having agricultural land 80 L, 2BhkFlat 40L with 10 L loan amount left,other open flats worth 1.2 Cr,Small shops with monthly rental income of 15K. PF 10 L & FD of 20 L. I am still in service with 16 Lpa salary income. Eish to start investments to get 1.5 L per month regular income Post retirement after age of 60. Pl suggest for regular income options by investing suitably in MF,EQUITIES FD's etc as my i am having more fixed assets rather than liquid funds . Pl suggedt for good investments for reqular monthly income post retirement.
Ans: Assessing Your Financial Situation
At 56 years old, planning for a regular post-retirement income is wise. Your current financial assets include agricultural land, real estate, provident fund (PF), fixed deposits (FDs), and a rental income from small shops. Let's delve into your assets and how you can strategically invest to achieve a regular income of Rs 1.5 lakhs per month post-retirement.

Current Assets Overview
Agricultural Land: Rs 80 lakhs
2BHK Flat: Rs 40 lakhs (with Rs 10 lakh loan remaining)
Other Flats: Rs 1.2 crore
Rental Income from Shops: Rs 15,000 per month
Provident Fund (PF): Rs 10 lakhs
Fixed Deposits (FDs): Rs 20 lakhs
Salary Income: Rs 16 lakhs per annum
Goal Setting and Financial Planning
Retirement Income Goal
Your goal is to generate Rs 1.5 lakhs per month post-retirement. This translates to Rs 18 lakhs per year. Considering inflation and other factors, you need a well-structured plan.

Liquidating Non-Performing Assets
Your current portfolio is more focused on fixed assets. Liquidating some of these assets can help create a diversified investment portfolio. Consider selling one of your open flats to increase your liquid funds.

Investment Strategy for Regular Income
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Investing in mutual funds through SIPs can provide regular income and potential capital appreciation. You can start investing now to build a substantial corpus by the time you retire.

Balanced Mutual Funds
Balanced mutual funds invest in a mix of equity and debt. They provide a balanced approach to growth and income. These funds can generate regular dividends, adding to your monthly income post-retirement.

Debt Mutual Funds
Debt funds are less volatile and provide steady returns. They are ideal for generating regular income. You can allocate a portion of your investments to debt funds for stability.

Detailed Investment Plan
Step 1: Liquidating Assets
Sell One Flat: Consider selling one of your flats worth Rs 1.2 crore. This will give you substantial liquid funds to invest.
Repay the Loan: Use Rs 10 lakhs from the sale proceeds to repay the outstanding loan on your 2BHK flat.
Step 2: Creating an Investment Portfolio
Emergency Fund: Set aside Rs 10 lakhs in a high-interest savings account or liquid fund. This will cover unforeseen expenses and emergencies.

Equity Mutual Funds: Allocate Rs 50 lakhs to equity mutual funds. These funds can provide high returns over the long term. Choose diversified equity funds for better risk management.

Debt Mutual Funds: Invest Rs 30 lakhs in debt mutual funds. These funds will offer stability and regular income through interest payments.

Balanced Funds: Allocate Rs 20 lakhs to balanced mutual funds. These funds offer a mix of equity and debt, providing growth potential and income.

Fixed Deposits (FDs): Keep your existing Rs 20 lakhs in FDs. These will provide guaranteed returns and add to your regular income.

Calculating Expected Returns
Equity Mutual Funds
Assuming an average annual return of 12%, the Rs 50 lakhs invested in equity mutual funds can grow significantly over time. Using the compound interest formula, you can estimate the corpus at retirement.

Debt Mutual Funds
Debt funds typically offer returns between 6-8%. Investing Rs 30 lakhs in debt funds will provide regular interest income. This can be reinvested or used for monthly expenses.

Balanced Funds
Balanced funds can offer returns between 8-10%. The Rs 20 lakhs invested here will provide a blend of growth and income.

Generating Monthly Income Post-Retirement
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
An SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investments regularly. This can be set up to provide monthly income post-retirement.

Dividend Income
Mutual funds and stocks can provide regular dividend income. Investing in funds that pay regular dividends can add to your monthly income.

Importance of Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Annual Portfolio Review
Review your portfolio at least once a year. This ensures your investments are performing as expected and are aligned with your goals.

Rebalancing
Market conditions can affect your portfolio allocation. Rebalancing helps maintain the desired mix of equity and debt, ensuring optimal returns and risk management.

Tax Implications
Capital Gains Tax
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) from equity funds (held for over a year) are taxed at 10% if they exceed Rs 1 lakh in a financial year. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 15%.

Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT)
Dividends from mutual funds are subject to DDT. Understanding tax implications helps in planning withdrawals and investments efficiently.

Building a Robust Financial Plan
Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health and life insurance coverage. This protects you and your family from financial burdens due to unforeseen events.

Retirement Planning Beyond Investments
Consider other aspects like hobbies, travel, and healthcare needs in your retirement plan. A holistic approach ensures a comfortable and fulfilling retirement.

Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Professional Guidance
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner provides personalized guidance. A CFP can help tailor your investment strategy to your specific needs and goals.

Benefits of Professional Advice
Professional advice ensures informed decisions, optimal asset allocation, and effective risk management. A CFP helps navigate the complexities of retirement planning.

Conclusion
Planning for a regular income post-retirement involves strategic investment choices. Liquidating some fixed assets to invest in mutual funds, debt funds, and fixed deposits can help achieve your goal of Rs 1.5 lakhs per month. Regular monitoring, rebalancing, and consulting with a Certified Financial Planner will ensure you stay on track. With disciplined investing and a well-structured plan, you can enjoy a financially secure and 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 Jun 04, 2024

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Hello Sir, I am 33 years old. I want to retire after 10 years. My monthly salary is 85k now. I want to generate a fixed income of rupees 1.2 lakh per month.What would be the best option to invest. I am having 18 lakh in ppf as of now. I invest yearly 1.5 lakh.and mutual fund of about 10 lakh
Ans: Early Retirement Dreams: Planning for Your Future Lifestyle
Retiring at 43 with a fixed monthly income of Rs. 1.2 lakh is an ambitious goal, and it requires careful planning. Let's explore some key points to consider:

Understanding Your Target:

Early Retirement: Retiring at 43 means you'll have a longer retirement period than usual. You'll need a larger corpus to generate your desired income.

Monthly Income: A fixed income of Rs. 1.2 lakh per month translates to Rs. 1.44 lakh per year (considering 12 months).

Let's Do the Math (Estimates):

Investment Corpus: To generate Rs. 1.44 lakh yearly income, assuming an 8% return (considering inflation), you'd need a corpus of around Rs. 1.8 crore (corpus amount = annual income desired / return rate).
Your Current Savings:

PPF: Your existing Rs. 18 lakh in PPF and yearly contributions of Rs. 1.5 lakh are good! PPF offers guaranteed returns and tax benefits.

Mutual Funds: Your Rs. 10 lakh in mutual funds is also a positive step towards building your corpus.

Planning the Gap:

There's a gap between your current savings and the target corpus (Rs. 1.8 crore - your existing savings). Let's explore ways to bridge this gap:

Increase Investments: Consider increasing your monthly mutual fund investments based on your budget. A CFP can help you determine a suitable amount.

Investment Time Horizon: You have 10 years until your desired retirement. This allows for aggressive investment options, but also carries more risk.

Investment Options:

Actively Managed Equity Funds: These funds have fund managers who try to outperform the market by picking promising stocks. They have the potential for higher returns than passively managed options but also involve higher risk.

Debt Funds: Consider including some debt funds in your portfolio to balance the risk. Debt funds offer lower potential returns but also lower risk.

Remember: Actively managed funds can outperform the market but also carry more risk. A CFP can help you choose the right mix of funds based on your risk tolerance.

A CFP Can Help:

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can create a personalized plan for you. They can:

Analyze Your Risk Tolerance: Are you comfortable with potential market fluctuations? A higher risk tolerance allows for potentially higher returns through aggressive investments.

Create an Investment Strategy: A CFP can recommend a mix of actively managed equity and debt funds to balance risk and growth potential.

Factor in Inflation: Inflation reduces the purchasing power of money. A CFP will consider inflation to ensure your retirement corpus meets your future needs.

Beyond Investments:

Here are some additional strategies to consider:

Employer Benefits: Explore maximizing tax-saving options offered by your employer (if applicable).

Review Expenses: Can you identify areas to cut back on your current expenses? Saving more now allows for a larger corpus later.

Early Retirement Considerations:

Retiring early means losing out on potential future income growth. Healthcare costs may also rise in your retirement years. A CFP can help you consider these factors.

Taking Charge of Your Future:

Retiring early is a dream, and with careful planning and professional guidance, it can be achieved. Actively managed funds can be a powerful tool for growth, but remember, they also carry risk. Consulting a CFP can help you navigate your options and make informed investment decisions to secure your desired lifestyle in retirement.

Don't wait! Schedule a consultation with a CFP to get started on your early retirement journey.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 04, 2024Hindi
Money
Sir, I am a 57 yrs old ex-nri returned from middle east. Which is the best investment option for me to get a monthly income (like pension)?
Ans: Let's go through a detailed plan to help you find the best investment options to secure a steady monthly income, similar to a pension. I understand your goal and will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide.

Understanding Your Financial Needs
First, let's understand your financial situation and goals:

Age: 57 years old
Retirement: Already retired, seeking monthly income
Goal: Secure a steady monthly income similar to a pension

Returning to India after years of hard work in the Middle East is a significant milestone. It shows your dedication and commitment to securing a better future. Let's ensure that your efforts translate into a comfortable and worry-free retirement.

Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
Let's evaluate your current financial standing. It's essential to know your existing assets, savings, and any other income sources. Please note, specific schemes and detailed calculations are avoided as per your request.

Key Areas to Focus On
Safe and Reliable Investment Options
Diversification of Investments
Creating a Steady Monthly Income Stream
Mitigating Risks
Tax Efficiency
Safe and Reliable Investment Options
Monthly Income Plans (MIPs)
Monthly Income Plans are mutual fund schemes designed to provide regular income. They invest in both equity and debt instruments. MIPs offer better returns than traditional fixed-income options and are less risky than pure equity funds.

Fixed Deposits (FDs)
Bank FDs are a traditional choice for generating a steady income. They are safe and offer guaranteed returns. You can opt for monthly interest payouts to create a regular income stream.

Senior Citizens' Saving Scheme (SCSS)
SCSS is specifically designed for senior citizens. It offers attractive interest rates, and you can receive quarterly interest payments. This scheme is backed by the government, ensuring safety.

Diversification of Investments
Diversified Portfolio
Diversifying your investments across different asset classes can reduce risk and provide a stable income. Consider a mix of equities, debt, and other instruments.

Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities. They are less volatile than equity funds and provide regular income. Opt for funds with monthly dividend payout options.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
SWP is a feature in mutual funds that allows you to withdraw a fixed amount regularly. It helps in generating a steady income while keeping your capital invested.

Creating a Steady Monthly Income Stream
Laddering Fixed Deposits
Laddering involves investing in multiple FDs with different maturity periods. This strategy ensures liquidity and regular income. As one FD matures, you can reinvest it, creating a continuous income stream.

Annuity Plans
Annuity plans offer guaranteed income for life. You can invest a lump sum, and in return, you receive regular payouts. However, be cautious as annuities can have high fees and lower returns compared to other options.

Mutual Fund Dividends
Invest in mutual funds that offer regular dividend payouts. Choose funds with a history of consistent dividend payments.

Mitigating Risks
Diversification
As mentioned earlier, diversifying your investments can reduce risk. Avoid putting all your money into one investment.

Risk Assessment
Assess your risk tolerance. At 57, it's crucial to prioritize safety over high returns. Focus on low-risk investments that provide steady income.

Regular Review
Regularly review your investment portfolio. Make adjustments based on market conditions and your financial needs.

Tax Efficiency
Tax-Free Bonds
Invest in tax-free bonds issued by government entities. The interest earned is tax-free, providing a higher effective return.

Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS)
POMIS offers a fixed monthly income with minimal risk. The interest earned is taxable, but it's a safe and reliable option.

Tax Planning
Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for tax-efficient investment strategies. Proper tax planning can enhance your post-tax returns.

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Compounding
Mutual funds harness the power of compounding. Reinvesting dividends or gains helps your investment grow exponentially over time.

Professional Management
Mutual funds are managed by experts who make informed investment decisions. This expertise can help you achieve better returns.

Diversification
Mutual funds invest in a diversified portfolio of securities. This reduces risk and provides a balanced return.

Liquidity
Mutual funds offer high liquidity. You can buy or sell units easily, providing flexibility.

Categories of Mutual Funds
Equity Funds
Equity funds invest in stocks. They offer high returns but come with higher risk. Suitable for long-term investments.

Debt Funds
Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities. They are less volatile and provide regular income. Suitable for conservative investors.

Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt. They balance risk and return, offering moderate growth and income.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Passive Management
Index funds are passively managed, meaning they replicate a specific index. They lack the potential for active management to outperform the market.

Limited Flexibility
Index funds follow a set index, providing limited flexibility to adapt to market changes or capitalize on new opportunities.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Active Management
Actively managed funds are handled by professional fund managers. They aim to outperform the market by selecting the best securities.

Potential for Higher Returns
With active management, there's potential for higher returns compared to passive index funds.

Tactical Allocation
Fund managers can make tactical allocation decisions based on market conditions, enhancing returns.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Lack of Guidance
Investing in direct funds means you don't get professional advice. This can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the market.

Time-Consuming
Managing direct funds requires time and effort. You need to research and make informed decisions regularly.

Benefits of Regular Funds via CFP
Expert Advice
Investing through a CFP provides expert guidance. They help you choose the right funds based on your goals and risk tolerance.

Personalized Service
CFPs offer personalized service, ensuring your investments align with your financial plan.

Convenience
Investing through a CFP is convenient. They handle the paperwork and provide regular updates on your portfolio.

Final Insights
Securing a steady monthly income post-retirement requires a well-planned investment strategy. Focus on safe and reliable options like Monthly Income Plans, Fixed Deposits, and Senior Citizens' Saving Scheme. Diversify your investments to mitigate risk and ensure a steady income. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio to stay aligned with your financial goals. Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice and tax-efficient strategies.

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 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

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

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

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

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

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

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

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

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

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

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

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

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