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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 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
Aaron Question by Aaron on Apr 15, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I have currently invested 1 L in Shares and have SIP of Rs 10000 per month ( Rs 5000 since past 4 years and added additional RS 5000 pm since past 1 year. )Apart from this NPS of Rs 30000 per year. I am Currently and looking to have a corpus of 1 Cr by 2030. Please suggest any addition or changes need to do

Ans: You've made a commendable start with your investments in shares, SIPs, and NPS. To achieve a corpus of 1 Cr by 2030, you might want to consider increasing your SIP amount gradually to align with your goal. Additionally, diversifying your portfolio by adding debt or hybrid funds can provide stability and balance out market volatility. Also, consider reviewing your shares portfolio regularly to ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Consulting a financial advisor can help optimize your investment strategy tailored to your needs and objectives. Keep up the good work!
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 May 01, 2024

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Hi Sir Sangayya hear from Karnataka my age is 43 from last 3 years I started my SIP details r as below 1 ELSS - 5 sips each 1k 2. Large & mid cap fund - 3 sips 1k each 3. Thematic fund - Franklin India opp - 5k 4. Multi asset allocator - Tata 5k 5.Flexi cap fund - 2 Sips 1k each 6. Dynamic Asset - Edelweiss balanced Adv fund 1k 7. Small cap - Nippon India 1k Total monthly 22k is my investment kindly suggest I want to build my corpus 1cr in another 10 year & how much I have to invest more to achieve Target
Ans: Hello Sangayya, it's great to see your commitment to building your financial future through SIP investments. Let's break down your goal of reaching a corpus of 1 crore in 10 years and assess your current investment approach:

Review Current Investments: Evaluate the performance of your existing SIPs relative to their benchmarks and peers. This will help you understand if adjustments are needed to optimize your portfolio for growth.
Assess Required Monthly Investment: To reach a corpus of 1 crore in 10 years, you'll need to calculate the required monthly investment based on your expected rate of return. This depends on factors like the type of funds you're investing in and prevailing market conditions.
Consider Increasing SIP Amount: If your current monthly investment of 22k isn't sufficient to reach your goal, you may need to increase your SIP amounts or explore additional investment avenues. A Certified Financial Planner can help you determine the optimal investment strategy based on your risk tolerance and financial goals.
Stay Consistent and Patient: Building a substantial corpus takes time and discipline. Stay committed to your investment plan, continue SIPs regularly, and avoid making emotional decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.
Regular Portfolio Review: Periodically review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed. Rebalancing your investments and exploring new opportunities can help you stay on track towards achieving your financial goals.
Remember, while setting ambitious targets is commendable, it's essential to ensure that your investment strategy is realistic and aligned with your risk tolerance and financial capacity. With careful planning and perseverance, you can work towards building a significant corpus over the next decade.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 14, 2024

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Hello Sir, i invest monthly in SIPS to a total of 35000. and as on date my total of sip amount has gathered to 31 lac Rs. I want a corpus of 3 crore in the next 10 years. Kindly give me your valuable suggestion on the same.
Ans: It's great to see your dedication to your financial future. Your commitment to investing in SIPs and your clear goal of accumulating Rs 3 crore in 10 years is commendable. Let's break down your current situation, evaluate your options, and outline a strategy to help you achieve your financial goals.

Understanding Your Current Investments
You invest Rs 35,000 monthly in SIPs, which has accumulated to Rs 31 lakh. This demonstrates your disciplined approach to wealth building. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a good way to invest in mutual funds, as they offer the benefits of rupee cost averaging and compounding over time.

Evaluating Your Financial Goals
You aim to achieve a corpus of Rs 3 crore in the next 10 years. This is an ambitious goal, but with a strategic approach, it is certainly achievable. Given your current investments and the time frame, we'll need to ensure your portfolio is well-diversified and aligned with your risk tolerance and financial objectives.

Portfolio Diversification and Asset Allocation
Diversification is key to managing risk and optimizing returns. Your current SIP investments need to be spread across various asset classes and sectors. A balanced portfolio might include a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap equity funds, along with debt funds to manage risk. The right mix depends on your risk appetite and market conditions.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
It's important to regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals. Market conditions and personal circumstances can change, so periodic adjustments are necessary. This could involve shifting funds from over-performing to under-performing assets or vice versa.

Importance of Actively Managed Funds
While index funds are often recommended for their low costs, actively managed funds can offer better returns, especially in a market like India where fund managers can exploit market inefficiencies. Actively managed funds, with the expertise of fund managers, have the potential to outperform the index. They are better suited for investors looking to achieve specific financial goals.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and using regular funds can be beneficial. Regular funds offer professional management and advice, which is crucial for making informed investment decisions. A CFP can provide personalized advice, portfolio management, and periodic reviews to ensure you stay on track to meet your goals.

Avoiding Annuities and Real Estate
Annuities are often not the best investment option due to their lower returns and higher fees. They also lack flexibility and can tie up your funds for long periods. Real estate, while a popular investment, involves high transaction costs, illiquidity, and requires significant capital outlay, making it less attractive for achieving your Rs 3 crore goal.

Long-term Focus and Patience
Investing is a long-term journey. Staying focused on your goal, being patient, and avoiding knee-jerk reactions to market fluctuations is crucial. Your Rs 31 lakh accumulation is a significant achievement. Continue this disciplined approach, and over time, compounding will work in your favor.

Seeking Professional Advice
Working with a Certified Financial Planner can provide you with the expertise and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of investing. A CFP can help you develop a comprehensive financial plan, tailored to your specific needs and goals. They can also assist in selecting the right funds, managing risks, and optimizing your investment strategy.

Final Insights
Your current SIPs and accumulated corpus are a strong foundation. To achieve your Rs 3 crore goal, focus on a diversified portfolio, regular reviews, and leveraging the expertise of a CFP. Avoid high-risk and low-return investments like annuities and real estate. Stay disciplined, patient, and proactive in your investment approach.

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 12, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 02, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi..I am 27 years old having salary of approx 1 lakh per month. I want to make a corpus of around 10 cr till my retirement. As of now I am having Fd of 2.5 lakh, sip started 2 yrs back for 7.5k with step up of 1.5k invested in index and small cap fund which is 2 lakh. Also started investing in etf for 15k per month as sip. I have also invested in LIC which is around 1.8lakhs per year started 2 years back. As I am in PSB so in NPS around 20k per month gets deposited whose current value is 3.2 lakhs. Kindly guide.
Ans: At 27 years old and with a monthly salary of Rs. 1 lakh, you're on a great path. Let’s explore how you can reach a corpus of Rs. 10 crores by retirement.

Current Financial Overview
Fixed Deposits: You have Rs. 2.5 lakhs in FD. This is good for safety, but the returns are low.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): You’ve started a SIP two years back with Rs. 7,500, stepped up by Rs. 1,500. This is invested in index and small cap funds. The current value is Rs. 2 lakhs.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): You invest Rs. 15,000 per month in ETFs.

LIC: You invest Rs. 1.8 lakhs annually in LIC. This started two years ago.

National Pension System (NPS): Rs. 20,000 per month is deposited in NPS. Its current value is Rs. 3.2 lakhs.

SIPs: A Good Start
Your SIP investment shows foresight. However, let’s examine the types of funds:

Disadvantages of Index Funds:
Index funds track market indices. While they offer diversification, they lack flexibility. In volatile markets, actively managed funds can adapt better.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds:
Actively managed funds have professional fund managers. They aim to outperform the market. These funds can offer better returns with careful management.

Direct Funds vs. Regular Funds
You might be investing directly in mutual funds. Here’s why regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can be better:

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:
Direct funds have lower costs but no guidance. You may miss out on professional advice. This can lead to suboptimal investment choices.

Benefits of Regular Funds:
Regular funds involve a fee but come with professional advice. A CFP can help you choose the right funds, monitor performance, and adjust strategies.

LIC Policies: Reconsideration Needed
Your LIC policy requires Rs. 1.8 lakhs annually. These policies often mix insurance with investment, offering lower returns. Consider surrendering this policy and reinvesting in mutual funds. This can enhance your investment growth.

Maximizing NPS Benefits
Your NPS investment is strong. NPS offers tax benefits and long-term growth. Ensure you choose an aggressive asset allocation to maximize returns. As retirement nears, gradually shift to safer investments.

ETF Investments: Strategic Adjustments
Investing Rs. 15,000 per month in ETFs shows diligence. However, ETFs, like index funds, follow the market. Consider reducing ETF investments and reallocating to actively managed mutual funds for potentially higher returns.

Creating a Robust Investment Strategy
Diversifying Your Portfolio
Equity Funds:
Increase your SIP in equity mutual funds. Focus on a mix of large, mid, and small-cap funds. Actively managed funds can help balance risk and return.

Debt Funds:
Allocate a portion to debt mutual funds. These provide stability and reduce overall portfolio risk.

Gold Funds:
Consider a small allocation to gold funds. They hedge against inflation and market volatility.

Systematic Transfer Plans (STP)
Utilize STPs to transfer funds from debt to equity. This strategy reduces risk and ensures disciplined investing.

Stepping Up SIPs
Continue stepping up your SIPs annually. This ensures your investment grows with your income. Aim to increase your SIP contributions by at least 10-15% every year.

Importance of Financial Planning
Setting Clear Goals
Define your financial goals. Besides the Rs. 10 crore retirement corpus, set short and medium-term goals. This could include buying a house, child’s education, or travel plans.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund. This should cover 6-12 months of expenses. It ensures financial stability during unforeseen circumstances.

Insurance: Adequate Coverage
Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance. A term plan is a cost-effective option for life insurance. Review your health insurance to cover all medical needs.

Monitoring and Review
Regular Portfolio Review
Review your portfolio every 6 months. Assess performance and make necessary adjustments. A CFP can help with these reviews.

Tax Planning
Utilize tax-saving instruments wisely. Besides NPS, consider ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) for tax benefits under Section 80C.

Final Insights
You’re on the right path with your current investments. However, a few strategic adjustments can significantly improve your chances of reaching a Rs. 10 crore corpus.

Switch to Actively Managed Funds: Move from index and ETFs to actively managed mutual funds. This can provide higher returns over time.

Reevaluate LIC Policies: Consider surrendering LIC policies and reinvesting in mutual funds.

Step Up SIPs: Regularly increase your SIP contributions. This leverages your growing income for better future returns.

Seek Professional Advice: Regularly consult a Certified Financial Planner. Their expertise can help you navigate market changes and optimize your investments.

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 Nov 10, 2025

Money
im 48 year old working professional, having SIP corp value till date 28 Lakh, wanted to build corpus 1crore in next 5 years please advise the way. Right now SIP - ICICI -11k/ month, Kotak, SBI, HDFC, Parag parikh etc - 15K /month total 26K SIP maintaing , other than this Investment in NPS tier I 4.55 Lakh and maintaining now 75 K annually.
Ans: You have shown great commitment towards your future. At age 48, you already built Rs.28 lakh through SIP. You also maintain SIP of Rs.26000 per month. You also contribute Rs.75000 per year to NPS Tier I. These habits show strong discipline. These habits show long-term thinking. These habits show deep focus. Many people at your age still struggle to build even half of what you built. You have created a solid foundation. You should appreciate your effort. You also set a clear goal for Rs.1 crore in the next five years. This clarity helps in shaping a stable plan. Your journey is strong. And you can reach your goal with the right balance.

Below is a very detailed, long, 360 degree guidance written in simple language but with professional depth as a Certified Financial Planner.

» Your Current Position
– You have Rs.28 lakh in SIP corpus.
– You invest Rs.26000 per month in different funds.
– You also add Rs.75000 each year in NPS Tier I.
– You have steady habits.
– You have discipline.
– You have structure in your money life.
– You are consistent.
– This gives a strong base for future growth.
– Most investors struggle with consistency.
– You have already crossed that stage.

» Appreciation for Your Commitment
– You started investing long back.
– You did not stop SIP.
– You spread your SIP across many fund houses.
– You also used NPS for long-term goals.
– You maintained healthy savings behaviour.
– Your plan shows confidence.
– Your plan shows maturity.
– This will help you reach big goals.

» Your 1 Crore Goal in Five Years
– Five years is a short period for equity.
– But your current corpus already supports you.
– You need faster growth now.
– But the growth must be controlled.
– You must not take extreme risk.
– You must not shift into unsafe products.
– You must not panic during volatility.
– You need a stable structure.
– You need smooth long-term focus.

» Why Five Years Needs Balanced Strategy
– Five years is mid-term.
– Too high equity exposure creates stress.
– Too low equity exposure reduces growth.
– So you need a balanced spread.
– You need funds that aim for growth.
– But they must also manage risk.
– They must handle market swings.
– They must protect downside better.
– They must support your target year.
– You need strong active fund management.

» Actively Managed Funds Suit You
– You already use actively managed funds.
– This is a good choice.
– Active funds adjust market situations.
– They reduce risk in tough periods.
– Index funds cannot do this.
– Index funds simply copy market.
– They fall fully in crashes.
– They offer no protective action.
– They need emotional strength to hold.
– At your age, risk control matters more.
– Active funds suit your target period better.

» Why You Should Avoid Index Funds
– Many people promote index funds.
– But they ignore hidden risks.
– Index funds track full market swings.
– They have no fund manager view.
– They carry full volatility.
– They offer no flexibility.
– They do not suit investors with short targets.
– They do not support mid-term goals properly.
– They do not match your five-year goal structure.
– Active funds give a smoother journey.
– Active funds can reduce stress for mid-term goals.

» Avoid Direct Funds Also
– Direct funds attract investors due to lower cost.
– But direct funds need deep skill.
– They need research.
– They need rebalancing decisions.
– They need constant tracking.
– They need strong knowledge of market cycles.
– Without guidance, mistakes happen.
– Wrong changes can break your goal.
– Regular funds through an MFD with CFP support give guidance.
– They help in emotional control.
– They help in rebalancing at right time.
– They help in suitable diversification.
– This increases long-term success more than cost savings.

» The Power of Your Existing SIP
– You already invest Rs.26000 per month.
– This is a strong amount at age 48.
– This builds steady wealth.
– Your current SIP amount supports your goal.
– But you may need small increase.
– Even small increase helps in five years.
– You can adjust based on income rise.
– You can do top-ups yearly.
– Even Rs.3000 extra per month helps.
– This will sharpen your progress.

» Review Your Fund Spread
– You invest across many fund houses.
– But too many funds can cause overlap.
– Too many funds create duplication.
– This reduces efficiency.
– You may not need many.
– You need the right mix, not wide mix.
– A Certified Financial Planner can help simplify.
– Simplified portfolio improves growth.
– Simplified portfolio reduces stress.

» Your NPS Contribution
– You add Rs.75000 each year.
– NPS is useful for long-term retirement.
– But it has limited liquidity.
– It also forces annuity at retirement.
– And you do not want annuity.
– So keep NPS moderate.
– Do not increase NPS too much.
– SIP-based growth gives more flexibility.
– Use NPS only for tax and long-term discipline.

» You Can Increase SIP in a Structured Way
– Increase SIP every year.
– Increase in small steps.
– Increase whenever salary increases.
– You can add Rs.2000 to Rs.5000 extra.
– This helps reach Rs.1 crore faster.
– Consistency matters most here.

» Asset Allocation View
– You need growth.
– But you also need control.
– Too much equity may cause stress.
– Too little equity slows the growth.
– You need active funds with balanced exposure.
– This gives smoother path.
– This suits your five-year target.
– Asset allocation should be reviewed yearly.

» Avoid Real Estate Investments
– Real estate needs huge capital.
– It reduces liquidity.
– It creates loan burden.
– It creates risk for your target.
– It does not suit short time goals.
– It reduces flexibility.
– It does not support your Rs.1 crore target.

» Behavioural Side Matters
– Do not stop SIP during market fall.
– Do not panic during crisis.
– Market corrections are normal.
– Growth happens over years.
– Discipline is more important than returns.
– Your behaviour will decide your success.
– You already have good behaviour.
– Maintain it with care.

» Risk Control Strategy
– Do not chase high-risk funds.
– Do not chase hot sectors.
– Do not change funds often.
– Do not react to news.
– Do not use direct equity trading.
– Keep your approach steady.
– Stability gives better results.

» Protect Your Target Timeline
– Five years need caution.
– Move part of your funds to stable options in last year.
– This protects your accumulated corpus.
– This avoids last-minute shocks.
– A CFP-guided glide path helps.

» Monitor Your Portfolio Twice a Year
– Do not check daily.
– Twice a year is enough.
– Check allocation.
– Check overlap.
– Check SIP flow.
– Check fund performance.
– Check if goal is on track.
– Adjust if needed.

» Tax View for Future Withdrawal
– Equity fund withdrawal under one year invites 20 percent STCG.
– Withdrawal after a year gives LTCG.
– LTCG above Rs.1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5 percent.
– For debt funds, tax depends on slab.
– You must plan withdrawal smartly after you reach the goal.
– Tax planning helps retain more returns.

» Emergency Fund Matters
– Keep some money outside SIP.
– This avoids stress.
– This protects SIP.
– Emergency fund avoids forced withdrawals.
– Keep at least six months expense.
– This supports job risks.
– This supports family needs.

» Insurance Planning
– You must have life cover.
– You must have health cover.
– These protect your wealth.
– These stop unwanted shocks.
– Do not depend on employer cover alone.
– A personal policy is always safer.

» Your Path to Rs.1 Crore
– Your current Rs.28 lakh helps strongly.
– Your SIP of Rs.26000 supports the goal.
– Small increase will accelerate your path.
– Active fund selection strengthens results.
– Regular fund guidance through CFP helps stability.
– Discipline ensures long-term success.
– You have all the right habits.
– You are very close to the Rs.1 crore target.
– You need only disciplined continuation.

» Focus on 360 Degree Strategy
– Think about SIP flow.
– Think about fund moderation.
– Think about emergency fund.
– Think about tax.
– Think about age-based risk.
– Think about health cover.
– Think about debt load.
– Think about retirement timeline.
– Think about family support.
– Think about future income stability.
– All these shape your final success.

» Your Plan Already Shows High Strength
– You have experience with SIP.
– You have steady income.
– You have multi-year discipline.
– You have clear goals.
– You have strong foundation.
– You need more refinement now.
– Refinement will give you the final boost.

» Finally
– You are on the right path.
– You already have Rs.28 lakh.
– You invest Rs.26000 per month.
– You add Rs.75000 in NPS yearly.
– You maintain discipline.
– With a few careful adjustments, you can reach Rs.1 crore.
– You must continue SIP.
– You must increase SIP whenever possible.
– You must simplify your portfolio.
– You must use active, regular funds with guidance.
– You must control risk in the last year.
– You must stay focused on today’s strong habits.
– Your goal is realistic.
– Your goal is achievable.
– Your mindset is already strong.
– Stay disciplined and stay consistent.
– You will reach Rs.1 crore with confidence.

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!

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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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