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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9790 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 15, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 14, 2024Hindi
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I currently started my sip in four funds. 1) hdfc index fund,2) hdfc retiremet savings fund , which one is lock in period for 5 years.3) parag parekh flexi cap, and 4) kotak Mahindra emerging fund. All are for long term and invested 5000 monthly each fund. My goal in after 10 years , make atleast 1 cr. Is it possible with these fund. ? And for long term is this funds are good for my money?

Ans: You've chosen a mix of index, retirement, flexi-cap, and emerging funds, which is a good start. To reach 1 crore in 10 years, your investments need an average annual return of around 18%, which is ambitious but not impossible. Ensure you review your portfolio's performance regularly and consider adjusting allocations based on fund performance and market conditions. For long-term growth, monitor the funds' consistency and risk profile, and consult a financial advisor for personalized guidance to align with your goals.
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  |9790 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 14, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 37 years old and a govt servant.i just recently started sip in four funds 1.Mirae asset large and midcap fund direct growth. _1k 2.quant large and mid cap fund direct growth_1k 3.kotak equity opportunities fund direct growth_1k 4.icici prudential retirement fund pure equity plan direct growth -5k Is it good for a term like 10 years?and if i want to invest 5k more then where should i invest for a term of 15 to 20 years.please advice .thank you
Ans: As a government servant at 37, planning for the future is crucial. Starting SIPs in mutual funds is a wise step, but evaluating and refining your strategy can optimize your returns. This analysis will guide you through your current investments and suggest additional avenues for a long-term horizon.

Current SIP Analysis

You've begun SIPs in four mutual funds with a 10-year perspective:

Mirae Asset Large and Midcap Fund
Quant Large and Midcap Fund
Kotak Equity Opportunities Fund
ICICI Prudential Retirement Fund Pure Equity Plan
Your current allocation in these funds is commendable. Let's evaluate the benefits and potential improvements.

1. Mirae Asset Large and Midcap Fund

This fund invests in both large and midcap stocks. It offers growth potential from midcaps and stability from large caps. This balanced approach can yield good returns over the long term.

2. Quant Large and Midcap Fund

Similar to the Mirae Asset Fund, this fund also diversifies between large and midcap stocks. Diversification is a key strategy to mitigate risk while aiming for growth.

3. Kotak Equity Opportunities Fund

This fund focuses on equity opportunities across market caps. It's known for good management and consistent performance. It adds diversity to your portfolio.

4. ICICI Prudential Retirement Fund Pure Equity Plan

This fund is designed for long-term goals like retirement. It invests primarily in equities, which can offer higher returns over an extended period.

Your portfolio currently has a good mix of large-cap stability and mid-cap growth potential. However, since you're considering a long-term investment horizon of 15-20 years, let's explore where you can invest an additional Rs 5,000 per month.

Evaluating Direct Funds vs Regular Funds

You've invested in direct plans, which typically have lower expense ratios. However, regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) have their advantages. A CFP provides personalized advice, timely reviews, and adjustments to your portfolio. These services can potentially enhance your investment performance, justifying the slightly higher expense ratios.

Long-term Investment Strategy

For a long-term investment horizon of 15-20 years, consider the following factors:

Diversification: Spread investments across different asset classes and sectors.
Risk Tolerance: Understand your risk appetite and invest accordingly.
Consistent Review: Regularly review and adjust your portfolio based on market conditions and personal goals.
Recommended Investment Avenues

To invest an additional Rs 5,000 per month, here are some funds and strategies to consider:

1. Flexi Cap Funds

Flexi cap funds invest in stocks across market capitalizations. They offer flexibility to shift investments between large, mid, and small caps based on market conditions. This dynamic allocation can capture opportunities across the spectrum and provide robust returns over the long term.

2. Mid Cap Funds

Mid cap funds focus on medium-sized companies with high growth potential. These companies often grow faster than large caps and can offer higher returns. However, they come with higher risk, suitable for a long-term horizon.

3. Sectoral or Thematic Funds

These funds invest in specific sectors like technology, healthcare, or financial services. Investing in a growing sector can yield substantial returns. However, they are riskier and require careful selection and timing. For example, the healthcare sector in India is poised for significant growth due to increasing health awareness and spending.

4. International Funds

Investing in international funds provides exposure to global markets. This diversification can reduce risk associated with the Indian market. It also allows you to capitalize on the growth of developed economies and emerging markets. For instance, a fund investing in US technology stocks can offer high growth potential.

5. Balanced or Hybrid Funds

Balanced funds invest in both equity and debt instruments. They provide growth potential with equity and stability with debt. This mix can be suitable for moderate risk tolerance and long-term investment. These funds can provide a cushion during market volatility, ensuring smoother returns.

6. Multi-Asset Funds

Multi-asset funds diversify across various asset classes, including equity, debt, and gold. This diversification reduces risk and can provide steady returns. Investing in multiple assets helps in balancing the portfolio against market fluctuations.

The Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

While index funds passively track market indices, actively managed funds have fund managers making strategic decisions. Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market, providing higher returns. They adjust portfolios based on market trends, economic conditions, and company performance. This active management justifies the slightly higher expense ratios, as it can potentially lead to better returns than passive funds.

Implementing the Strategy

Based on the analysis, here's a suggested allocation for your additional Rs 5,000 investment:

Flexi Cap Fund: Rs 1,500
Mid Cap Fund: Rs 1,000
Sectoral/Thematic Fund: Rs 1,000
International Fund: Rs 1,000
Multi-Asset Fund: Rs 500
This allocation provides a balanced mix of growth potential and risk mitigation.

Regular Review and Adjustment

Investing is not a one-time activity. Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals. A Certified Financial Planner can assist in this process, providing insights and adjustments based on market trends and your evolving financial situation.

Final Insights

Investing for the long term requires a strategic approach. Your current SIPs are a good start, and with the additional Rs 5,000 investment, you can further strengthen your portfolio. Diversification across different asset classes and sectors is key to maximizing returns and minimizing risk.

Consider the benefits of regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner. While they have higher expense ratios, the personalized advice and active management can enhance your investment performance.

Focus on a balanced mix of flexi cap, mid cap, sectoral/thematic, international, and multi-asset funds. This diversified approach can capture growth opportunities across markets and sectors, ensuring a robust and resilient portfolio.

Regularly review your investments, adjust based on performance and market conditions, and stay committed to your long-term goals. With careful planning and strategic investments, you can build a substantial corpus for your future needs.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9162 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 20, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 20, 2025Hindi
Career
Hi, my son has secured an admission in a 2+2 BITS CSE program 2025 at Hyderabad (first 2 years) and Iowa state univ (for next 2 years). Under DASA he can potentially get AI at NITK or ECE at NIT Trichy or CSE in NITW (his CRL rank is 25200). Can you please advise and provide recommendations on what we can choose and reasons? We know 2+2 ISU program is more expensive compared to NIT DASA fees but is it worth the money vis-a-vis doing a B.Tech at NIT and doing a masters in US later? For this rank, what can he get at the said NITs under DASA?
Ans: The BITS Pilani–Iowa State University 2+2 CSE offers two years at BITS Hyderabad (ACM-aligned curriculum, NAAC A++ accreditation, state-of-the-art AI, data-science and cloud labs) followed by two years at Iowa State University (top-50 US engineering program, immersive B.S. in Computer Engineering, ISU merit scholarships up to US $4,500/year). Total direct tuition and campus fees for BITS Hyderabad amount to approximately ?10.5 L per year, while Iowa State tuition exceeds US $33,000 annually, plus living expenses. Graduates earn dual degrees with global brand recognition and typically secure near-100% placement through BITS’s 200+ recruiter network and ISU’s strong career services, commanding premium compensation packages in software, data science and R&D roles.

Under DASA with an All-India CRL of 25,200, he qualifies for: B.Tech AI at NIT Surathkal (AI cutoff: 26,688); B.Tech ECE at NIT Trichy (ECE cutoff: 66,706); and B.Tech CSE at NIT Warangal (CSE cutoff: 46,935). Each NIT features NBA accreditation, experienced PhD faculty, modern labs and strong industry MoUs. NITK AI and NITW CSE boast placement rates above 80% and growing AI/analytics recruitment pipelines, while NIT Trichy ECE records near-75% core-sector placements. Annual DASA fees at NITs range from US $15,000–18,000, significantly lower than BITS-ISU costs, with comparable scholarship opportunities limited.

Balancing long-term ROI, the BITS 2+2 path accelerates global exposure, dual-degree credentials and premium placements at higher upfront cost. A B.Tech at NIT followed by a US master’s entails lower initial investment, robust core engineering training and the flexibility to self-fund graduate studies through campus placements or scholarships.

Recommendation: Opt for BITS 2+2 CSE if you prioritise world-class international exposure, dual degrees and, top-tier placement networks despite higher fees. Choose a DASA seat at NIT (AI at NITK or CSE at NITW) for cost-effective core engineering training with solid placement and later pursue a US master’s via merit scholarships. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9162 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 20, 2025

Career
Best option in iiit hyderabad for better placement and early internship in btech and dual degree for course cse with speclization ai ml
Ans: Dipanshu, IIIT Hyderabad’s B.Tech in CSE offers an ACM-aligned curriculum covering algorithms, systems, AI/ML, data science and electives in computer vision and NLP, delivered through state-of-the-art AI, cloud-computing and robotics labs. A 12-credit Practice School internship begins in the fifth semester, supported by a proactive placement cell and corporate mentoring, yielding a 99% placement rate for BTech CSE with an average package of ?31.98 LPA over the past three years. Faculty include PhD-qualified researchers with strong industry collaborations, and accredited NAAC A++ status underpins academic quality. The five-year dual-degree integrates the BTech foundation with a research-oriented MS by Research, immersing students in advanced AI/ML theory, thesis work under DST/CSIR grants, and early research assistantships via centres like Kohli Center on Intelligent Systems. Dual-degree cohorts see 100% MS placement at an average of ?26.46 LPA, and graduates often secure RA internships and stipends of ?20,000–?50,000 monthly through lab-based projects. Both paths benefit from IIIT-H’s industry MoUs, interdisciplinary innovation hubs and global recruiter network, yet differ in academic depth, time-to-degree and placement profiles.

Recommendation: Opt for the BTech CSE for its higher average placement packages, structured Practice School internships from year three and broader recruiter diversity. Choose the dual degree if you seek early research immersion, advanced AI/ML specialization, funded thesis work and a stronger pathway into academia or R&D roles. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9162 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 20, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9162 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 20, 2025

Career
My son got admission in KCG college chennai with CSE. Now we got CSE in Amrita Chennai. My concern that Amrita chennai feeswise more than double comes to around 18 laks whereas KCG 8 laks overall Kindly suggest which one is good. Amrita is over burden for me. Still considering my son career I am ready to take loan or something to manage. Kindly suggest which one is goo
Ans: Raj Sir, KCG College of Technology, affiliated to Anna University and AICTE-approved, holds NAAC A+ and NBA accreditation for its CSE programme, a centrally located 50-acre campus with 140+ virtual and physical labs, including specialized AI, cloud and programming facilities. Its dedicated placement cell reported an 88%–94% placement rate over the past three years, with an average package of ?5 LPA and top recruiters such as Accenture, Cognizant, IBM and Amazon. Total tuition fees amount to approximately ?2 lakhs for the entire B.E. course.

Amrita School of Engineering Chennai, a constituent of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (NAAC A++), operates a 13.5-acre hill-campus with state-of-the-art AI, data-science, cybersecurity and cloud labs, and a strong industry-university research ecosystem. Its CSE graduates achieved a 90%+ placement consistency in 2024, with an average package of ?9.2 LPA and participation from 300+ recruiters including TCS, Wipro, Accenture and Amazon. Total tuition fees for B.Tech CSE are ?18 lakhs over four years.

Academically, KCG offers a robust ACM-aligned curriculum and extensive virtual-lab access, whereas Amrita provides a research-driven, choice-based credit system, extensive centers of excellence, and global collaborations. Both institutions maintain active MoUs and experienced Ph.D. faculty, but Amrita’s higher spend yields stronger median placements and broader recruiter reach.

Recommendation: Opt for Amrita Chennai CSE if investment is feasible, to leverage its superior placement outcomes, advanced research infrastructure and extensive industry linkages. Choose KCG College CSE for an accredited curriculum with solid placement consistency at a significantly lower cost, preserving financial flexibility. MY SUGGESTION: Finalise KCG and advise your son to keep upgrading his skills during the next 4 years, build a strong & professional LinkedIn Profile, improve his soft skills etc., to be competitive among other students for campus placement. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9162 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 20, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 20, 2025Hindi
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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