Can you advise me regarding the corpus of Rs.3.5 crore that I have? I am aged 60 with no liability whatsoever. I have a monthly SIP of 10k and pension of Rs.60k. I need my funds to generate at least 1.5 lac per month.

Ans: You inherited a house from your parents in 2014. Now, the house value has doubled, and you want to sell it. You also wish to use the proceeds for a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) in mutual funds. Let’s evaluate the taxation and investment aspects in detail.

Capital Gains Tax on Selling the House
Inherited Property Taxation Rules

When you inherit a house, there is no tax at the time of transfer. However, when you sell the house, capital gains tax applies.

Calculation of Cost of Acquisition

Since your parents purchased a flat in 1978 and later bought the house in 2014, the cost of acquisition will be the purchase price in 2014. This cost will be adjusted for inflation using the cost inflation index (CII).

Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) Tax

Since you are selling the house after more than two years, LTCG tax will apply. You need to calculate indexed capital gains, which is the difference between the selling price and the indexed cost of acquisition. The LTCG tax is 20% after indexation.

Exemptions Available

You can reduce your capital gains tax by using exemption options:

Section 54: If you buy another house within two years or construct a house within three years, you can claim an exemption.

Section 54EC: You can invest up to Rs 50 lakh in specified bonds (NHAI/REC) within six months of the sale to save tax. These bonds have a lock-in period of five years.

Using the Proceeds for SWP in Mutual Funds
Why SWP is a Good Option?

Instead of reinvesting in another house, you can invest in mutual funds and use an SWP. This provides regular cash flow while allowing capital growth.

Debt vs Equity Funds for SWP

Debt Funds: Lower risk but taxed as per your income tax slab.

Equity Funds: Higher risk but LTCG tax is only 12.5% above Rs 1.25 lakh.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) Benefits

Regular income without selling large portions of investment.

Better tax efficiency compared to fixed deposits.

Principal amount remains invested and continues to grow.

Direct vs Regular Funds: Which is Better?
Risks of Direct Funds

Many investors choose direct funds to save commission. However, this can lead to poor investment decisions.

Need for Professional Guidance

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures that your investment strategy matches your financial goals. They also help with tax-efficient withdrawals.

Emotional Investing Issues

Direct fund investors often panic during market downturns. A CFP helps you stay invested with a structured withdrawal plan.

Best Way to Use the Sale Proceeds
Diversify Investment

Avoid investing all proceeds in one fund. Consider a mix of equity and debt funds for balanced growth.

Start SWP Only from Growth Investments

Your capital should grow at a higher rate than withdrawals. This ensures sustainability.

Tax-Efficient Withdrawal Strategy

Plan withdrawals to stay within lower tax brackets.

Finally
Selling the house will attract long-term capital gains tax.

Exemptions under Section 54 and 54EC can reduce tax liability.

Investing in mutual funds with SWP is a smart alternative to real estate reinvestment.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help with fund selection and tax-efficient withdrawal planning.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Public sector mutual funds invest in government-owned companies. These companies operate in sectors like banking, energy, and infrastructure. These funds aim to benefit from India's economic growth and government policies.

Let’s analyse their advantages, risks, tax impact, and suitability.

Advantages of Public Sector Mutual Funds
Growth Potential

Many government-owned companies dominate their sectors. They benefit from policy support and large-scale projects. This can drive long-term growth.

Dividend Income

Public sector companies often pay regular dividends. This can provide steady cash flow for investors.

Policy Support

Government-owned firms receive policy benefits. They get subsidies, contracts, and regulatory support. This reduces business risks.

Value Investing Opportunity

These stocks often trade at lower valuations. This can offer long-term value investment potential.

Sector-Specific Exposure

Investors can get targeted exposure to sectors like banking and energy. This can be useful if these sectors grow rapidly.

Risks in Public Sector Mutual Funds
Government Influence

These companies follow government decisions. This may not always align with shareholder interest.

Limited Growth in Some Sectors

Some public sector firms have low innovation. Their revenue growth may be slower than private firms.

High Volatility

Market reactions to government policies affect public sector stocks. This can increase fund volatility.

Debt and Capital Efficiency Issues

Many public sector firms have high debt. Their capital use is often inefficient. This can affect returns.

Economic and Political Impact

Economic downturns and political changes impact these funds. Their performance depends on government spending.

Who Should Invest in These Funds?
Investors with a Long-Term Horizon

These funds may need time to deliver strong returns. Patience is required.

Those Seeking High Dividend Yield

Investors looking for dividend income may find them useful.

People Comfortable with Government Exposure

If you trust government-backed firms, these funds may suit you.

Investors Who Understand Risks

You must be aware of economic and political risks.

Taxation Impact on Public Sector Mutual Funds
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) Tax

Gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) Tax

Gains are taxed at 20% if sold within one year.

Dividend Taxation

Dividends are added to your income and taxed as per your slab.

Direct vs Regular Funds: Which is Better?
Direct Funds Have Hidden Disadvantages

Many investors choose direct funds to save on commission. But this can lead to mistakes.

Lack of Expert Guidance

Investors often lack financial expertise. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you select the right fund.

Emotional Investing Risks

Many direct fund investors panic during market crashes. A CFP helps you stay invested.

Wrong Asset Allocation

Direct investors may choose funds without a clear strategy. This can hurt long-term returns.

Regular Funds Provide Better Portfolio Management

Investing through a CFP ensures disciplined investing. They also review and rebalance your portfolio.

How to Approach Public Sector Mutual Funds?
Understand Your Risk Profile

These funds have sector-specific risks. Check if they match your risk tolerance.

Diversification is Key

Don’t put all your money into one sector. A balanced portfolio is better.

Invest for the Long Term

Short-term volatility is high. A long investment period helps reduce risks.

Avoid Emotional Reactions

Public sector funds react to government policies. Stay invested without panic selling.

Seek Professional Advice

A CFP can help you decide if these funds fit your portfolio.

Final Insights
Public sector mutual funds offer high growth potential.

They also come with policy risks and volatility.

These funds suit long-term investors comfortable with government influence.

Tax efficiency depends on your holding period.

A CFP can help you optimise returns and manage risks.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Yes, you are eligible for JEE Advanced 2025

Ans: Decide if you want to take JEE again or join a college this year.
Look at state counseling options for government colleges.
Consider private universities with good placement records.
If you want to switch fields, look at BCA, B.Sc. Data Science, or professional courses.

Ans: He has a chance in newer and lower-ranked NITs. See previous year's cut off.

Ans: He may get CSE at some lower NITs. See previous year's cut off.

Ans: With 93.10 percentile in JEE Mains 2025 and OBC-NCL category, your son's expected category rank would be around 40,000 - 45,000 (CRL) and 10,000 - 12,000 (OBC-NCL Rank).
Yes, he has a chance of getting a seat in lower branches in Tier-2 NITs, especially in later rounds of JoSAA and CSAB counseling.

Ans: NIT Trichy is at home state ?

Ans: With 84.77 percentile, OBC-NCL PWD category, and Tamil Nadu domicile, you have a high chance of getting a seat in NIT Trichy. See previous year's cut off.