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Ulhas

Ulhas Joshi  |280 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Mar 14, 2023

With over 16 years of experience in the mutual fund industry, Ulhas Joshi has helped numerous clients choose the right funds and create wealth.
Prior to joining RankMF as CEO, he was vice president (sales) at IDBI Asset Management Ltd.
Joshi holds an MBA in marketing from Barkatullah University, Bhopal.... more
Arnab Question by Arnab on Feb 01, 2023Hindi
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Money

My age is 42 yrs. By the age of 60 yrs I want to create a corpus of 2 Cr. How much should I invest in SIP to achieve the corpus. Which mutual funds should I opt for?

Ans: Hi Arnab, thanks for writing in.

To create a corpus of Rs.2,00,00,000, you need to invest Rs.22,500 in SIP's every month. Annually stepping up your SIP's will help you create a larger corpus.

You can consider starting SIP's in:
1-Edelweiss Nifty 100 Quality 30 Index Fund- Rs.7,500
2-DSP Quant Fund- Rs.7,500
3-Samco Flexicap Fund-Rs.7,500
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 Apr 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 10, 2025Hindi
Money
I'm 41 years old. My portforlio consist of 27L in mutual funds, 35L in stocks and 5L in NPS. I want to have a corpus of 30cr by 60. My monthly mutual fund SIP is 1.2L and NPS is 20K. Can you advise if my curent SIP will help in achieving my desired corpus by 60.
Ans: You are 41 and aiming for a Rs. 30 crore corpus by age 60. That gives you 19 years to build your wealth. You have a strong monthly SIP of Rs. 1.2L in mutual funds and Rs. 20K in NPS, which shows high commitment. Let’s analyse in detail whether your current strategy is enough, and what changes, if any, are needed.

Portfolio Snapshot
Age: 41

Goal: Rs. 30 crore by age 60 (retirement corpus)

Current Investments:

Mutual Funds: Rs. 27L

Stocks (direct equity): Rs. 35L

NPS: Rs. 5L

Monthly Investment:

Mutual Fund SIP: Rs. 1.2L

NPS Contribution: Rs. 20K

360-Degree Assessment: Can You Reach Rs. 30 Crores?
Let us now break your journey into parts:

1. Time Horizon – You Have 19 Years
That’s a decent long-term window.

Compounding will support you well over this period.

However, the earlier years are more powerful.

Your current age requires disciplined allocation, with some risk.

2. Current Corpus – Rs. 67L in Total
Mutual funds: Rs. 27L

Stocks: Rs. 35L

NPS: Rs. 5L

Total: Rs. 67L

This base amount gives you a strong head start.

You are not starting from zero. That’s an advantage.

3. Monthly Contribution – Rs. 1.4L Combined
Rs. 1.2L in mutual fund SIPs

Rs. 20K in NPS

That’s Rs. 16.8L per year

Over 19 years, that’s Rs. 3.19 crore invested capital

Now the key is the return you generate

4. Required Growth Rate – Let’s Evaluate That
To grow Rs. 67L + Rs. 3.2 crore to Rs. 30 crore in 19 years,

You’ll need an average return around 13% to 14% annually.

That’s achievable, but not guaranteed.

It depends on:

Fund categories

Asset allocation

Risk management

Market behaviour

5. Mutual Fund SIP – Is It Positioned Well?
You are doing Rs. 1.2L monthly in mutual funds.

It’s important to know how this SIP is spread:

Large-cap funds?

Flexi-cap funds?

Midcap, small-cap, or focused funds?

Any sectoral or thematic funds?

You need a strong tilt towards equity for this goal.

A suggested split (approximate):

40% flexi-cap + large-cap for stability

40% mid-cap and small-cap for growth

20% focused or thematic for alpha potential

SIP in actively managed funds through a Certified Financial Planner is key.

Avoid direct funds. They don’t offer ongoing reviews and rebalancing.

6. Stock Portfolio – Rs. 35L
Direct equity adds potential for high returns.

But it also adds volatility and risk.

Ask yourself:

Is your stock portfolio diversified?

Are you tracking and rebalancing regularly?

Do you have exposure to quality sectors?

Are you avoiding over-concentration?

A well-researched, long-term approach is needed.

If your equity portfolio underperforms, it will impact the 30 crore target.

7. NPS Contribution – Rs. 20K Monthly
NPS is good for disciplined retirement investing.

It gives tax benefits and partial equity exposure.

But it has liquidity restrictions till 60.

NPS equity cap is 75% (tier I) – may not match mutual fund returns.

Don’t depend on NPS alone for growth.

Use it as a stable secondary engine.

8. Inflation Consideration – A Hidden Threat
Over 19 years, inflation can reduce the purchasing power of money.

Your Rs. 30 crore should be inflation-adjusted.

So, real value might be around Rs. 10 crore in today’s money.

That’s still a strong and ambitious target.

9. Risk Management – Vital in This Journey
You are aiming high. So, managing downside risk is critical.

Follow asset allocation and rebalancing.

Add short-term debt or arbitrage funds gradually for stability.

Stay diversified across sectors and market caps.

Use SWP approach after 60 to withdraw smartly.

10. Things You Must Review Annually
Fund performance – replace consistent underperformers.

Asset allocation – rebalance equity vs. debt mix.

Goal progress – are you on track or lagging?

Market trend – adjust SIPs, if needed, during prolonged downtrends.

Tax planning – optimise long-term capital gains and exemptions.

11. Avoid These Common Mistakes
Over-exposure to single stock or single sector.

Stopping SIPs during a market fall.

Investing in direct mutual funds without professional guidance.

Reacting emotionally to market volatility.

Ignoring NPS or mutual fund reviews for many years.

12. Strategies That Will Help You Reach 30 Crores
Stay fully invested in equity-oriented funds for at least 14-15 years.

Use staggered allocation in mutual funds through SIP and STP.

Review your SIP growth annually and increase if surplus exists.

Keep emergency funds separate. Don't touch your investment portfolio.

Avoid ULIPs, endowment plans, or investment-linked insurance.

13. Should You Increase Your SIP Further?
Yes, if you can spare more each year, do step-up SIPs.

Even a 10% annual SIP increase will have massive impact.

Try to reach Rs. 2L/month SIP over next 5 years.

That alone can help you comfortably touch Rs. 30 crore or more.

14. Plan for Retirement Withdrawal Now Itself
Once you hit Rs. 30 crore, have a clear exit plan.

Use a bucket strategy post-retirement:

Short-term for next 2 years

Medium-term for 3–5 years

Long-term growth beyond 5 years

This ensures safe, inflation-beating, and tax-efficient retirement income.

Finally
Your current investments are strong and well-disciplined.

But Rs. 30 crore in 19 years needs growth, not just savings.

Equity mutual funds and stocks must stay efficient and well-reviewed.

A 13–14% average return is needed — possible, but needs active monitoring.

Review your SIPs yearly. Increase them as your income grows.

Get portfolio reviews regularly from a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid short-term panic. Think long. Think big. Stay consistent.

With this discipline and structure, yes, you can reach your Rs. 30 crore goal.

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 Jun 21, 2025

Money
I am 40 years old want to create a corpus of 2 cr in 25 years. I have following sip of 1000 each in kotak busines cycle fund and ITI flexi cap, how much i need to invest in sip to reach my goal. Well i was thinking of investing in index fund is it right.
Ans: You are determined to build a Rs 2?crore corpus in 25 years. That is a good long-term goal. You already invest Rs 1,000 each in two equity funds. Let us craft a detailed, 360-degree plan to help you reach your target.

Evaluating Current SIP Investments
You invest only Rs 1,000 each in two funds.

Total SIP investment is just Rs 2,000 monthly.

Fund categories are sector-specific and flexi-cap.

Such funds can offer good returns but are limited in coverage.

Your SIP amount is too low for a Rs?2?crore goal.

Your existing SIP shows discipline. But we need to significantly scale it up.

Why Index Funds Are Not Ideal
You asked about investing in index funds. Let us understand key issues:

Index funds simply track a market index.

They offer no downside protection during market dips.

They lack flexibility to avoid losing sectors early.

Passive portfolios cannot adapt to changing environments.

They give returns similar to the index, with no alpha.

Actively managed funds can adjust asset allocation.

Skilled fund managers shift out of overvalued sectors.

They help control volatility and add value over time.

In short, index funds look easy and cheap, but do not manage downside risk. Actively managed funds offer structured growth and risk control. That matters when building a big corpus.

Importance of Regular Plan Funds via CFP-Backed MFDs
If you use direct fund plans, you lose access to guidance. That is risky for long-term goals.

Regular plans via an MFD under CFP help in these ways:

Personalized asset allocation based on your risk profile

Periodic portfolio review and rebalancing

Guidance during market volatility

Adjustments as your life goals evolve

The small extra cost is outweighed by better discipline and expert monitoring.

Crafting a 360-Degree Investment Approach
Your goal: Rs?2?crore in 25 years. Let us build a comprehensive plan.

1. Emergency Fund and Protection

Maintain 6 months of living expenses in liquid funds

Buy term insurance covering 10–12 times annual income

Take health insurance for yourself and dependents

These protect the plan when life events strike.

2. Asset Allocation Framework
Spread your investments across asset categories:

Equity mutual funds (60–70%)

Large-cap for stability

Multi-cap for balanced coverage

Mid-cap for growth

Debt mutual funds (20–30%)

Medium-term income-oriented funds

Gold or commodity-linked funds (5–10%)

Liquid/short-term debt fund (5–10%) for emergencies

This mix enables growth and helps tackle inflation, while managing risk.

3. Calculating SIP Requirement

While exact calculation is complex, here's a simplified view:

For 25 years, to reach Rs 2?crore, you need higher SIPs and compounding

A rough SIP of Rs 15,000–20,000 monthly in equity funds can work

If lump sums or increments are added, you may reach target earlier

Even larger SIP helps reduce dependency on lump sums

Your current SIP of Rs 2,000 monthly is not enough. You need to escalate SIP value substantially.

4. SIP + Lump Sum Strategy

Keep a monthly SIP of Rs 15,000–20,000 in equity funds

Annually, add lumpsums from bonuses or windfalls

Split contributions across large, multi, mid-cap funds

Maintain periodic review every year

This combination drives disciplined investing and benefit from compounding.

5. Rebalance Over Time

As your corpus grows, rebalance asset allocation every year:

If equity exceeds 70%, shift some to debt

If equity drops below 60%, top it up

As you near 15–20 years in, reduce equity proportion

Final 5 years: equity share should drop to 50%

This safeguards your corpus from market swings later in the timeline.

6. Periodic Review and Guidance

A CFP-led MFD can provide:

Portfolio health check every 6–12 months

Alignment with evolving goals, such as buying a home or retirement

Switching underperforming funds

Tax planning during mutual fund redemptions

This ensures the plan stays on course across life stages.

Aligning Strategy with Life Goals
At age 40, you have time, but goals like child education, home, business or retirement may emerge.

Equity-focused plan suits long-term wealth building

Debt components prepare for near-term needs

Liquid funds cover emergencies

Active management ensures flexibility to adapt to lifestyle changes

Your plan remains robust, adaptable and aligned with your evolving priorities.

Tax Considerations
Be aware of mutual fund tax rules:

Equity LTCG: 12.5% on gains over Rs 1.25 lakh annually

Equity STCG: 20%

Debt gains taxed per slab

Plan redemptions across years to stay within non-taxable band where possible. This optimises net returns.

Implementation Roadmap
Immediate Next Steps

Increase equity SIP to at least Rs 15,000 monthly

Invest through regular plans via CFP-backed MFD

Add Rs 5–10 lakh lumpsum when bonuses arrive

Set up yearly review meetings

Mid-Term (5–15 years)

Adjust allocation annually

Rebalance to manage risk

Continue SIP increments and lumpsum additions

Final Decade (15–25 years)

Reduce equity proportion gradually

Shift gains to debt/liquid funds

Ensure corpus meets the Rs 2?crore goal within timeline

Final Insights
Index funds lack downside protection; active funds win over time

SIP needs to be raised to Rs 15,000–20,000 monthly

Use regular plans via CFP-backed MFD for disciplined monitoring

Maintain 360-degree structure with asset mix, protection, tax planning

Periodic rebalancing aligns risk with stage

Consistency in investing will drive you to your Rs 2?crore target

Regular review ensures plan adapts to your changing life

You have a clear and achievable path to your goal. With discipline and expert support, your wealth will grow steadily and safely. Let me know if you’d like help setting up your equity portfolio or calculating SIP more precisely.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
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!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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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

...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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