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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9854 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 12, 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
Jayraj Question by Jayraj on Dec 12, 2023Hindi
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Good Evening Sir... Currently I'm having SIP of 5000 each in below funds since a year. Please suggest if need to change any fund ?? Mirae Asset Emerging Equity Quant Small Cap Nippon India Small Cap Parag Parikh Flexicap ICICI prudential Flexicap Axis Nifty 50 Index Fund

Ans: Your current SIP portfolio seems well-diversified across different categories. However, you might want to review the performance and consistency of each fund over the past year. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to ensure your portfolio aligns with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific circumstances.
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  |9854 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 03, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir.. I have invested 2000 rs sip in each of the following funds. 1.parag Parikh flexi cap 2.pgim flexi cap 3.canara robecco emerging equities 4.sbi magnum midcap 5.bandhan banking and psu fund I am 27 years old and have been investing in these funds since 3 years..plz check my funds and give me some suggestions if needed
Ans: It seems like you have a well-diversified portfolio with exposure to different market segments and investment styles. However, here are a few suggestions to consider:

Review Performance: Evaluate the performance of each fund relative to its benchmark and peers. Look for consistent performance over different market cycles. If any fund consistently underperforms, consider replacing it with a better-performing alternative.

Assess Diversification: Ensure that your portfolio is adequately diversified across asset classes, sectors, and market capitalizations. While you have exposure to flexi-cap, mid-cap, and banking sectors, consider if there are any gaps in your diversification that need to be addressed.

Risk Management: Consider your risk tolerance and investment horizon when reviewing your portfolio. Mid-cap and emerging equities funds tend to be more volatile, so make sure you're comfortable with the level of risk in your portfolio.

Stay Informed: Stay updated on market developments and periodically review your portfolio to make necessary adjustments based on changing market conditions or personal circumstances.

Long-Term Perspective: Since you're relatively young with a long investment horizon, focus on long-term wealth creation and avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.

Overall, continue to monitor your portfolio regularly and make adjustments as needed to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Consider consulting with a financial advisor for personalized advice based on your individual situation.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9854 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 14, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir I am Praveen my monthly sip in 3 fund UTI nifty 50 index fund 2200 parag parekh flexi cap 4100 and Kotak small cap 2000 please suggest me these fund are good or any changes and our suggestion required
Ans: Praveen. Let's review your current SIP investments in UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund, Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, and Kotak Small Cap Fund to ensure they align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Current Portfolio Analysis
UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund: This fund provides exposure to the top 50 companies in India and aims to replicate the performance of the Nifty 50 Index. It offers diversification and stability.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: Known for its flexible investment approach, this fund invests across market capitalizations and sectors. It emphasizes long-term growth potential and has a track record of consistent performance.

Kotak Small Cap Fund: Small-cap funds like Kotak Small Cap Fund invest in stocks of small-sized companies with high growth potential. They can offer higher returns but come with increased volatility.

Recommendations and Suggestions
Your current selection reflects a balanced approach with exposure to large-cap, flexi-cap, and small-cap segments.
UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund provides stability, while Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund and Kotak Small Cap Fund offer growth potential.
Consider reviewing your risk tolerance and investment horizon to ensure it aligns with the funds' objectives.
Potential Changes and Adjustments
Review Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance to determine if the allocation to small-cap funds is suitable for your comfort level. Small-cap funds can be volatile, so ensure you're prepared for fluctuations.

Diversification: Consider diversifying across different fund categories to spread risk. Adding a Mid-cap or Large & Mid-cap fund could enhance diversification.

Performance Evaluation: Monitor the performance of your funds regularly and compare them against their benchmarks and peers. If any fund consistently underperforms, consider switching to a better-performing alternative.

Consultation with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Seeking advice from a qualified CFP can provide personalized recommendations based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
A CFP can help optimize your portfolio and ensure it remains aligned with your objectives.
Conclusion
Your current SIP investments reflect a diversified approach with exposure to different segments of the market. Consider reviewing your risk tolerance and diversification strategy to ensure it meets your long-term financial goals. Consulting with a CFP can provide valuable insights and help fine-tune your investment strategy.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9854 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 07, 2024Hindi
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Dear Sir - End July'24, I have started an SIP of ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 Index (Rs 10K), Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU Equity(Rs 5K) and Baroda BNP Paribus Large Cap Fund Rs 15K. (All are Direct-Growth). I am open to moderate/high risk. Could you please let me know, if the choice of funds needs any change in near future. Thanks a lot
Ans: I appreciate your proactive approach to investing. Starting your SIPs is a significant step towards building wealth. Your choice of funds and your willingness to take moderate to high risks show that you’re keen on growing your investments. Let’s take a closer look at your current portfolio and see how we can fine-tune it for better results.

Understanding Your Current Portfolio
ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 Index (Rs. 10K): Index funds like this one track the Nifty 50. They mirror the index’s performance and offer average market returns. While they are low-cost, they lack the potential to outperform the market.

Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU Equity (Rs. 5K): This fund invests in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). It focuses on companies owned by the government, which can be profitable but often have limited growth potential due to regulatory constraints.

Baroda BNP Paribas Large Cap Fund (Rs. 15K): Large-cap funds invest in established companies with stable returns. They are generally safer but might not deliver the high growth you’re seeking.

The Drawbacks of Index Funds
Limited Growth Potential: Index funds like the Nifty 50 merely track the market. They don’t have the potential to outperform. You’re getting average returns without the benefits of active management.

Lack of Professional Management: Index funds are passively managed. This means they don’t have a fund manager actively looking for opportunities to grow your investment. In a market downturn, index funds can’t adjust to protect your investment.

Why Actively Managed Funds Might Be Better
Higher Growth Potential: Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform the market. Fund managers can pick stocks that they believe will do well, giving you a better chance of higher returns.

Professional Expertise: With actively managed funds, you get the benefit of professional expertise. Fund managers have access to research, data, and market insights that can help grow your investment.

Flexibility: Actively managed funds can adapt to changing market conditions. This flexibility can help protect your investment in volatile markets.

The Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Self-Management: Direct funds require you to manage the investment yourself. This includes choosing the right funds, monitoring their performance, and making adjustments. Without a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), this can be challenging and time-consuming.

Lack of Guidance: Investing through regular funds via a CFP provides you with personalized advice. A CFP can help you select the best funds based on your financial goals, risk appetite, and market conditions.

Suggestions for Adjusting Your Portfolio
Consider Actively Managed Funds: Given your openness to moderate to high risk, you might want to consider shifting from the Nifty 50 index fund to actively managed equity funds. These can offer higher growth potential and better returns over the long term.

Reevaluate the PSU Equity Fund: PSUs often have stable returns but may not match the growth potential of other sectors. If you’re looking for higher returns, consider diversifying into sectors with more growth opportunities.

Diversify Beyond Large Caps: While large-cap funds are stable, they may not offer the high growth you’re looking for. Consider adding mid-cap or multi-cap funds to your portfolio for a better balance of risk and return.

Crafting a Balanced and Growth-Oriented Portfolio
Diversification is Key: A well-diversified portfolio is essential. It helps you manage risk while maximizing returns. Consider including a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and sector-specific funds in your portfolio.

Review Your Risk Tolerance: Since you’re open to moderate to high risk, focus on funds that align with this risk profile. Actively managed funds in growth sectors can offer the higher returns you’re aiming for.

Regular Monitoring and Adjustments: Keep a close eye on your portfolio’s performance. Regular reviews, possibly with a CFP, can help you make necessary adjustments to stay on track with your financial goals.

Final Insights
Your investment journey has started on a strong note. However, tweaking your portfolio can make a significant difference in achieving your financial goals. Consider shifting away from index and direct funds towards actively managed funds. This strategy can offer you higher returns and better alignment with your risk profile.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9854 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 08, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi Gurus, I'm investing 29k Sip in below funds. Can you pls look into these and suggest if any changes needed for better. 1. Uti nifty 50 index - 4k 2. Parag parikh flexicap - 6k 3. Jm flexi cap - 6k 4. Quant midcap - 6k 5. Quant smallcap - 3k 6. Nippon india small cap - 4k
Ans: You have a well-diversified SIP portfolio with an investment of Rs 29,000 per month. This includes exposure to large-cap, flexi-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. The diversity in your portfolio is commendable. It reflects a balanced approach, combining growth and stability. However, there is always room for optimization.

Re-evaluating the Index Fund Allocation
Your current allocation includes an index fund. Index funds track the market and are passively managed. While they are low-cost, they may not outperform actively managed funds over the long term.

Actively managed funds provide the advantage of expert fund management. This can lead to better returns, especially in a dynamic market like India. It might be beneficial to shift this allocation to a well-managed large-cap or multi-cap fund. This could enhance the growth potential of your portfolio.

Flexi-Cap Funds: A Balanced Approach
You have allocated Rs 12,000 in flexi-cap funds. Flexi-cap funds are versatile as they invest across market capitalizations. This flexibility allows fund managers to capitalize on market opportunities.

However, ensure that both flexi-cap funds are distinct in their investment strategy. Overlapping strategies may reduce diversification benefits. Consider reviewing the performance and investment style of these funds. This will help you avoid redundancy and maximize your portfolio's growth.

Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds: Growth Potential with Risk
Your portfolio has a significant allocation to mid-cap and small-cap funds. Mid-cap and small-cap funds are known for their high growth potential. However, they also come with increased volatility.

It is important to ensure that your risk appetite aligns with this allocation. Mid-cap and small-cap funds should ideally form a smaller portion of your portfolio if you are risk-averse. On the other hand, if you are comfortable with market fluctuations, these funds can contribute to long-term wealth creation.

Considering the Overlap in Small-Cap Funds
You have two small-cap funds in your portfolio. While small-cap funds offer high growth, having multiple funds in the same category might lead to overlap. This could reduce the effectiveness of diversification.

You may want to consolidate your investment into one well-performing small-cap fund. This will simplify your portfolio and potentially enhance returns. Focus on a fund with a strong track record and consistent performance.

The Importance of Regular Portfolio Review
Your SIP portfolio should be regularly reviewed to align with your financial goals. Markets and fund performances change over time. A Certified Financial Planner can help you make necessary adjustments.

Regular reviews will help in identifying underperforming funds. They will also help in capitalizing on new opportunities. This proactive approach ensures that your portfolio remains on track to achieve your financial objectives.

Benefits of Professional Guidance
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner provides several advantages. These professionals offer personalized advice tailored to your financial situation. They also have the expertise to navigate market complexities and optimize your portfolio.

Direct funds, while low-cost, may not offer the same level of guidance. Investing through regular funds with a CFP’s advice can lead to better financial outcomes. The value of professional expertise often outweighs the cost.

Tax Efficiency and Investment Planning
Your investment strategy should also consider tax efficiency. Equity mutual funds offer tax benefits, especially for long-term investors. However, tax laws can change, and it’s important to stay updated.

A Certified Financial Planner can help you optimize your tax liabilities. They can guide you on how to structure your investments to maximize post-tax returns. This is a crucial aspect of building and preserving wealth.

Aligning Investments with Financial Goals
Every investment should be aligned with your financial goals. Whether you are saving for retirement, buying a house, or funding your children's education, each goal requires a different strategy.

It’s important to map your SIPs to specific goals. This will help you track progress and make adjustments as needed. A goal-based approach ensures that your investments are purposeful and effective.

Balancing Growth and Stability
While your portfolio is growth-oriented, it’s essential to maintain a balance with stability. Growth funds can provide high returns, but they also carry higher risk.

Consider allocating a portion of your portfolio to debt funds or balanced funds. These funds offer stability and protect against market downturns. This balanced approach can safeguard your portfolio during volatile times.

Final Insights
Your current SIP portfolio is well-structured with a strong focus on growth through equity funds. You’ve done a commendable job in diversifying across different market capitalizations. However, to further optimize your portfolio, a few adjustments and considerations can enhance your investment strategy.

Here’s a recap of the key recommendations:

Reevaluate the Index Fund Allocation: Consider shifting your investment from the index fund to an actively managed large-cap or multi-cap fund. Actively managed funds offer the potential for higher returns due to expert management.

Review Flexi-Cap Funds: Ensure there’s no overlap between the two flexi-cap funds. They should have distinct investment strategies to maximize diversification benefits.

Manage Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Exposure: Given the inherent volatility of mid-cap and small-cap funds, assess your risk tolerance. If necessary, consolidate your small-cap funds to avoid redundancy and simplify your portfolio.

Regular Portfolio Review: Regularly reviewing your portfolio is crucial. It helps in making timely adjustments and ensuring your investments align with your financial goals. A Certified Financial Planner can provide valuable insights and guidance.

Tax Efficiency: Optimize your portfolio for tax efficiency. A CFP can help you navigate tax laws and structure your investments to maximize post-tax returns.

Align Investments with Financial Goals: Map your SIPs to specific financial goals. This goal-based approach ensures that each investment serves a clear purpose, helping you track progress and make informed adjustments.

Balance Growth with Stability: While your portfolio is geared towards growth, consider adding some stability through debt or balanced funds. This will help protect your investments during market downturns.

By implementing these recommendations, you can enhance the effectiveness of your SIP investments. It’s important to stay proactive and adaptable as market conditions and personal circumstances evolve. Your commitment to investing is commendable, and with the right strategy, you can achieve your financial goals more effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 27, 2025

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 27, 2025

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I wanted career advice i am student of 2 year ba llb (BBDU) and i not satisfied with my college should i take a drop and prepare for exam like clat , ailet, mhcet and other govt exam or should i continue with my college i have good academic records of 70%in 10 and 87% in 12 and 8.7 cgpa in 1 semester and 2 semester result is awaited i am really confused what path should i choose as 1 generation law student of my family i have really doubt this college foes not have very records and very bad or no placement and no internship as of i know right now for ballb
Ans: Kavita, Babu Banarasi Das University’s (BBDU) BA LLB program in Lucknow features modern infrastructure, supportive and experienced faculty, and a curriculum covering both theoretical and practical legal aspects, including moot courts and legal research. However, verified student reviews, professional portals, and college data consistently reflect significant shortcomings in career support for law graduates: law placement percentages remain low, with a substantial proportion of students moving towards private practice, judicial services preparation, or higher studies due to lack of substantial campus recruitment from law firms or legal companies. While BBDU’s placement cell performs well overall, opportunities are primarily for technical and management programs rather than law, with only scant on-campus internships or legal placements. The college website highlights guest lectures and conferences but does not report regular, quality placements for BA LLB students. Industry opinion and academic trends confirm that India’s most successful law graduates—particularly first-generation aspirants—are from top-ranked National Law Universities (NLUs) and renowned government law colleges (admission via CLAT, AILET, MH CET LAW), where structured internships with premier law firms, judges, and companies drive a much higher rate of employability, networking, and long-term career success. The five most vital criteria—academic content, experienced faculty, robust placement and internship ecosystem, infrastructure, and national network/alumni strength—are not fully realized at BBDU for law. Systematic exam preparation with your strong academic background can secure entry into a leading university, offering superior academic and career prospects compared to continued study at BBDU.

Recommendation: As a first-generation law student with a robust academic record and clear career ambition, consider taking a drop to rigorously prepare for competitive exams like CLAT, AILET, and MH CET LAW. Admission to a top-tier national law university or government law school considerably enhances academic training, placement opportunities, and long-term professional growth compared to persisting at BBDU in the current BA LLB program. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Sir I might get ECE at NIT Durgapur via CSAB, and have already got CSE at IIEST Shibpur... considering which one will be better?? does NIT Durgapur's reputation anyhow help in getting better placements than Shibpur?
Ans: NIT Durgapur’s ECE branch recorded a placement rate of nearly 65% in 2024, with around 17% higher average salaries compared to most other engineering departments at the institute and key recruiters spanning both core and software sectors. However, IIEST Shibpur’s CSE branch consistently secures higher placement rates—over 83% in recent years—backed by an excellent academic reputation, prominent national rankings, advanced research facilities, and consistently strong industry presence from top IT and consulting firms. Nationally, IIEST Shibpur is ranked higher than NIT Durgapur and stands out for its historic legacy, modernized infrastructure, and superior research output, attracting a vibrant peer group and leading to strong outcomes both for direct placements and future studies. IIEST’s holistic environment and the ever-increasing demand for computer science skills further enhance long-term flexibility and career prospects compared to an ECE degree from NIT Durgapur.

Recommendation: CSE at IIEST Shibpur is the better choice, providing higher placement rates, superior national ranking, cutting-edge curriculum, broader job profiles, and greater growth opportunities. Unless your exclusive interest is ECE, IIEST Shibpur’s CSE offers a more secure and rewarding pathway for academic and career advancement. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 27, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 27, 2025Hindi
Career
Pes electronic city cse and bms aiml which is better
Ans: Based on the following insights/information and your interest/long-term goals, choose the more suitable option for you: PES University’s Electronic City campus for CSE and BMS College’s AI & ML branch both enjoy strong academic reputations, but there are notable distinctions. PES Electronic City CSE offers modern infrastructure, updated curriculum, and active placements backed by the same centralized process as the renowned RR Banashankari campus, resulting in 80–90% placement rates for CSE and parallel recruiter participation. However, the RR campus holds a marginal edge in infrastructure quality, faculty depth, peer group, club activities, and alumni networking, leading to a more vibrant environment and slightly superior exposure. Electronic City’s CSE students nevertheless secure nearly identical placement opportunities and compensation as those at RR, with consistent recruiter overlap and strong industry demand. BMS AI & ML has achieved a commendable 85.7% placement rate in 2025, with rapid growth in industry partnerships and career support, but the scale, brand strength, and campus-wide opportunities still trail PES’s system. All programs are strong on teaching quality, industry connectivity, campus life, and placement preparation, yet RR campus remains the gold standard among aspirants. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 27, 2025

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I am getting ETC in IIEST shibpur , CRL 54472 Obc ncl - 16199. Please suggest if there is any better option in csab.
Ans: With a CRL rank of 54,472 and OBC-NCL rank of 16,199, being allotted Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering (ETC) at IIEST Shibpur is a solid achievement, as the institute’s OBC-NCL closing ranks for this branch often hover around this level. At these ranks, there is virtually no chance of securing a higher-demand branch, such as CSE or IT, in the NIT or IIIT system through CSAB, as recent cutoffs show cutoffs for CSE/IT in OBC-NCL tend to close much earlier in the top and mid-tier NITs and IIITs. The CSAB counselling process does leave room for ECE or allied branches in some newer NITs or GFTIs, but these generally do not surpass IIEST’s academic reputation, infrastructure, or placement records. IIEST Shibpur’s ETC department provides a strong faculty base, updated curriculum, and consistent placement opportunities, with campus-wide placement rates in recent years consistently above 80%, and major recruiters in telecom, IT, and electronics sectors participating actively. The campus offers robust research output, strong student support services, modern labs, and a vibrant peer community, which collectively foster sound technical and holistic development.

Recommendation: Accepting ETC at IIEST Shibpur is the optimal option at your present ranks, since CSAB is unlikely to yield a “better” branch or institute given category cutoffs. The program ensures excellent academic grounding, a reputable degree, and broad career prospects, making it a wise and pragmatic choice for your engineering journey. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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