Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9736 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 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
Sanjay Rana Question by Sanjay Rana on May 19, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

Good evening Ramalingam Sir I am 47 years old, I have started my journey in mutual funds for the last 3 years and wanted to do continue for the next 8 years. I have 1.5 CR in different instruments like MF, NPS and PPF. Sir I am inviting 38000/month in 7 different funds. Sir I have approx 80 lacs in bank FD and wanted to put in mutual funds. Can I do lump sum in existing funds or there can be different from these funds 1 Axis small cap 2 ICICI Prudential pure equity retirement 3 HDFC retirement pure equity fund 4 SBI Contra fund 5 Quant Mid Cap fund 6 Mahindra Manulife Small cap 7 Nippon India large cap Sir please suggest me about lump sum, wheather I have to choose different funds or do in existing 7 funds

Ans: It's impressive that you've accumulated ?1.5 crore in various instruments like mutual funds, NPS, and PPF. Additionally, saving ?80 lakhs in bank FDs shows financial prudence. Your current SIP of ?38,000 per month in seven different mutual funds is a commendable strategy. Now, you’re considering investing the ?80 lakhs from FDs into mutual funds.

Evaluating Your Investment Strategy
Existing Mutual Fund Investments
Your seven mutual funds cover a diverse range of market segments. This diversification helps in spreading risk and potentially enhancing returns. These funds include small-cap, pure equity, contra, mid-cap, and large-cap categories, giving you broad exposure.

Advantages of Lump Sum Investments
Potential for Higher Returns: Investing a lump sum can lead to higher returns, especially in a rising market. Timing the market is crucial here.

Cost Efficiency: Lump sum investments incur fewer transaction costs compared to spreading investments over time.

Risks of Lump Sum Investments
Market Volatility: Lump sum investments are susceptible to market timing risk. If the market dips after your investment, you could see short-term losses.

Stress and Anxiety: A significant market downturn can cause stress and anxiety, especially with a large investment.

Considering Systematic Transfer Plan (STP)
Instead of investing the entire ?80 lakhs as a lump sum, consider a Systematic Transfer Plan (STP). Here’s why:

Reduced Market Timing Risk: STP spreads your investment over a period, reducing the impact of market volatility.

Regular Investment: STP allows regular investments from your FD to mutual funds, leveraging rupee cost averaging.

Allocating Your Investment
Reviewing Existing Funds
Assess Performance: Review the performance of your current funds. Ensure they meet your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Diversification: Ensure your existing portfolio remains diversified. Avoid over-concentration in any single market segment.

Adding New Funds
Balanced Funds: Consider adding balanced funds to your portfolio. These funds mix equity and debt, offering growth and stability.

International Funds: Adding international mutual funds can provide global exposure, reducing country-specific risk.

Professional Guidance
Engaging with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can optimize your investment strategy. A CFP can:

Tailored Advice: Provide advice based on your specific financial situation and goals.

Portfolio Management: Help manage and rebalance your portfolio, ensuring it aligns with market conditions and your risk tolerance.

Implementing Your Plan
Step-by-Step Approach
Emergency Fund: Ensure part of your ?80 lakhs remains in a liquid fund for emergencies.

STP from FD to Mutual Funds: Set up an STP to transfer funds from your FD to your mutual funds systematically.

Review and Adjust: Regularly review your portfolio with your CFP. Adjust investments based on performance and changing market conditions.

Conclusion
Transitioning your ?80 lakhs from FDs to mutual funds is a wise decision. Using STP to invest systematically can mitigate risks and leverage market opportunities. Diversifying further with balanced and international funds can enhance your portfolio.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
Asked on - May 20, 2024 | Answered on May 20, 2024
Listen
Thanks so much sir for your valuable information ????????
Ans: Welcome :)
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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Sep 20, 2023

Listen
Money
Hi i have invested lumpsum in following 12 funds please guide. Whether any funds to be removed and if any new funds to be added Quant Active Fund Growth 2.2 lakhs Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity fund Direct Growth 2 lakhs Pgim India midcap opportunities fund Direct Growth 2lakhs ICICI prudential commodities fund growth. 80,000 Parag Parikh flexi cap fund regular Growth. 90000 Quant Flexi Cap fund growth 90000 Kotak small cap fund regular Growth. 50000 Mahindra Manulife Multi cap fund regular Growth. 50000 Tata small cap fund Regular Growth 50000 Pgim India Midcap opportunities Fund Regular Growth 50000 Canara Robeco small cap Fund regular Growth 50000 Tata Digital India Fund Direct Growth 50000 I need analysis on this whether to continue or close the mutual funds
Ans: Overall, you have over-diversified your investments. It is always better to invest in one or maximum two funds of the same category.

Although, all funds chosen by you have good fundamentals, but they carry a high level of risk with them. Without the risk profile and investment time horizon, it is difficult to comment on how long to stay invested in these funds. We should not only focus on funds’ performance but also our risk appetite and investment time horizon.

Special recommendation on sectoral/thematic funds are as follows:

Tata Digital India Fund Direct Growth: It invests primarily in companies related to digital technology and innovation in India. The fund has delivered average annual returns of 20.65% since inception. You may need to review it every six months or in case of any material change in the fund or industry. As of now, the fundamentals seem good, but sectoral funds come with very high risk.

ICICI Prudential Commodities Fund: It invests in equity-related securities of companies engaged in commodities and commodities-related sectors. The fund has delivered a higher return as compared with the category average, and should be reviewed every six months or in case of any material change in the industry.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9736 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2024Hindi
Money
I have been advised to invest lump sum in different ICICI Pru MF - Large & Mid Cap Fund; Business Cycle Fund and Multi Asset Fund. Kindly suggest is it good to proceed or with some other alternative?
Ans: Investing in mutual funds is a smart way to build wealth over time. Let's discuss your investment options and evaluate whether the recommended funds align with your financial goals.

Understanding Mutual Funds
Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities. They offer professional management, diversification, and liquidity. When you invest in mutual funds, you benefit from the expertise of fund managers who make investment decisions on your behalf.

Large & Mid Cap Funds
Large and mid cap funds invest in a mix of large and mid-sized companies. Large cap companies are typically well-established and stable, while mid cap companies offer growth potential. Investing in these funds provides a balanced approach, combining the stability of large caps with the growth potential of mid caps.

Advantages
Diversification: Large and mid cap funds offer exposure to both stable and growing companies.
Risk Management: Large cap companies add stability, while mid caps provide growth opportunities.
Professional Management: Experienced fund managers make informed decisions to maximize returns.
Considerations
Market Volatility: Mid cap stocks can be more volatile than large caps.
Investment Horizon: Ideal for long-term investors who can ride out market fluctuations.
Business Cycle Funds
Business cycle funds invest based on the economic cycle. They adjust their portfolios according to the different phases of the economy – expansion, peak, contraction, and trough. These funds aim to capitalize on opportunities at each stage of the cycle.

Advantages
Economic Insight: Fund managers use economic indicators to adjust investments.
Dynamic Allocation: Portfolios are adjusted to maximize returns in each economic phase.
Growth Potential: Potential for higher returns by investing in sectors poised to perform well in each cycle.
Considerations
Complexity: Requires understanding of economic cycles and indicators.
Timing Risk: Success depends on accurate timing of economic phases.
Volatility: Can be more volatile due to sector rotation and timing.
Multi Asset Funds
Multi asset funds invest in a mix of asset classes such as equities, bonds, and gold. This diversification helps to balance risk and return, making these funds suitable for conservative investors seeking steady growth.

Advantages
Diversification: Exposure to multiple asset classes reduces risk.
Stability: Bonds and gold provide stability during market downturns.
Balanced Returns: Potential for steady, balanced returns over time.
Considerations
Moderate Growth: Returns may be moderate compared to equity-focused funds.
Expense Ratios: Multi asset funds can have higher expense ratios due to active management.
Market Conditions: Performance depends on the behavior of different asset classes.
Evaluating Your Investment Options
Investing in the suggested funds offers a diversified approach to grow your wealth. However, it's important to assess how they align with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

Diversification and Balance
Large & Mid Cap Funds: Provide a good balance between stability and growth.
Business Cycle Funds: Add a dynamic element by adjusting to economic phases.
Multi Asset Funds: Ensure stability through diversification across asset classes.
Risk Management
Large & Mid Cap Funds: Manage risk through a mix of stable and growth-oriented stocks.
Business Cycle Funds: Require careful monitoring to manage timing risks.
Multi Asset Funds: Offer lower risk through asset class diversification.
Long-Term Growth
Large & Mid Cap Funds: Suitable for long-term growth with some volatility.
Business Cycle Funds: Potential for high returns but require patience and understanding.
Multi Asset Funds: Steady growth with lower volatility, ideal for conservative investors.
Power of Compounding
Mutual funds harness the power of compounding, where earnings generate more earnings over time. Reinvesting dividends and capital gains can significantly boost your wealth. Starting early and staying invested for the long term maximizes the benefits of compounding.


You are wise to consider mutual funds for building wealth. They offer a balanced approach to investing, aligning with various financial goals. Your commitment to making informed investment decisions is commendable. Understanding the nuances of each fund type shows your dedication to growing your wealth responsibly.

Seeking Professional Guidance
It's important to consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide personalized advice based on your financial situation. A CFP can help you create a tailored investment strategy, ensuring your portfolio aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.

Evaluating the Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds aim to replicate the performance of a market index. While they offer low costs and diversification, they have limitations. Index funds lack flexibility, sticking to a predefined list of stocks regardless of market conditions. They can't outperform the market since they only aim to match it.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds, like the ones you're considering, offer potential for higher returns. Experienced fund managers make strategic decisions to outperform the market. They can adjust portfolios based on market trends and economic indicators, providing a dynamic investment approach.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds bypass intermediaries, offering lower expense ratios. However, they require a higher level of investment knowledge and time commitment. Regular funds, managed by a CFP, provide professional guidance, helping you navigate market complexities and make informed decisions.

Final Insights
Investing in large and mid cap, business cycle, and multi asset funds offers a balanced approach to wealth building. These funds provide diversification, risk management, and long-term growth potential. While each fund type has its advantages and considerations, they collectively align well with a comprehensive investment strategy.

Your proactive approach to understanding these funds is impressive. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner ensures you receive tailored advice, maximizing your investment potential. Remember, the key to successful investing is staying informed, diversifying your portfolio, and maintaining a long-term perspective.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9736 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 24, 2024

Listen
Money
Sir, I am 55 years old. I want to invest in Mutual funds. I have presently one lakh to invest. I have planned to invest lumpsum in the following: 1. 50% in Large cap mutual fund 2. 20% in Mid cap mutual fund 3. 15% in Small cap mutual fund 4. 15% in Flexi cap mutual fund I would like to know that whether my above planning is OK or not. Can I do anything else and not doing the above? If my above planning is Ok , then pls suggest which mutual fund to opt for different categories mentioned above.
Ans: Assessing Your Investment Plan

Your plan to invest Rs 1 lakh in mutual funds is a good start. Let's assess your allocation strategy and provide recommendations for each category.

Allocation Strategy

Large Cap Mutual Funds (50%): These funds invest in large, well-established companies. They offer stability and moderate returns.

Mid Cap Mutual Funds (20%): These funds invest in medium-sized companies. They offer higher growth potential but come with more risk.

Small Cap Mutual Funds (15%): These funds invest in smaller companies. They have high growth potential but are very risky.

Flexi Cap Mutual Funds (15%): These funds invest across market capitalizations. They offer flexibility and can adapt to market conditions.

Evaluation of Your Allocation

Diversification: Your allocation provides a good mix of stability and growth. This helps in balancing risk and returns.

Risk Management: Allocating 50% to large caps provides a stable base. Mid and small caps add growth potential.

Flexibility: Including flexi cap funds adds flexibility to your portfolio. It allows for adaptation to market changes.

Suggestions for Improvement

Review Fund Selection: Regularly review and choose funds with a consistent track record.

Avoid Direct Funds: Direct funds may seem cost-effective but lack professional guidance. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures better fund management.

Diversify Further: Consider adding debt funds for further risk management. They provide stability and income.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Lack of Guidance: Direct funds do not offer professional advice. This can lead to suboptimal fund selection.

Time-Consuming: Managing direct funds requires time and expertise. Regular funds managed by professionals save you effort.

Fund Recommendations

Large Cap Mutual Funds: Choose funds with a good track record. Look for consistent performance and low expense ratios.

Mid Cap Mutual Funds: Select funds with experienced fund managers. Ensure the fund has a strong performance history.

Small Cap Mutual Funds: Opt for funds with high growth potential. Ensure they have a good track record in managing risks.

Flexi Cap Mutual Funds: Choose funds that dynamically allocate across market caps. Look for flexibility and adaptability to market conditions.

Final Insights

Balanced Approach: Your allocation strategy is well-balanced. It provides a mix of stability and growth.

Regular Review: Review your portfolio regularly. Adjust based on performance and market conditions.

Professional Guidance: Work with a Certified Financial Planner. They can help you choose the best funds and manage your portfolio effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9736 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

Listen
Money
Hi .I want to invest in mutual funds lumpsum investment . i have an amount of 1 lakh ..i want to have it for 5 years ..Please let me know should i distribute it in multiple funds or do it in one directly ..Please suggest name of funds
Ans: First, it is essential to appreciate your decision to invest Rs 1 lakh in mutual funds. Investing in mutual funds can be an effective way to grow your wealth over time. You plan to invest this amount for five years, which indicates a medium-term investment horizon. This period is enough to see meaningful growth, provided you choose the right investment strategy.

The Benefits of Diversification
Investing in multiple mutual funds can offer diversification, which spreads your risk across different asset classes, sectors, and companies. This reduces the impact of any single underperforming asset on your overall portfolio.

However, diversification doesn't mean spreading your investments too thin. Investing in too many funds can lead to over-diversification. This can dilute the potential returns and make it harder to manage your portfolio. A balanced approach is to choose 2-3 funds that complement each other in terms of asset allocation and investment strategy.

Evaluating Fund Types
Equity Funds: These are suitable if you are looking for higher returns and are willing to accept market volatility. They are more likely to generate higher returns over five years.

Debt Funds: These are less volatile and offer more stable returns. They are ideal if you have a lower risk tolerance.

Hybrid Funds: These invest in a mix of equity and debt. They offer a balance between risk and return, making them suitable for medium-term goals.

Since you have a five-year horizon, a mix of equity and hybrid funds could be a good strategy. This approach balances growth potential and risk management.

Active vs. Passive Management
You might wonder whether to choose actively managed funds or index funds (passively managed). Actively managed funds have a fund manager who makes investment decisions to outperform the market. In contrast, index funds simply replicate a market index.

While index funds may have lower expense ratios, they often do not outperform actively managed funds in the medium to long term. Actively managed funds, despite higher fees, can potentially offer better returns because they are managed by professionals who actively seek the best investment opportunities.

The Role of Regular Funds and Certified Financial Planners
It’s important to consider the benefits of investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). A CFP can offer you personalized advice and help you choose the right funds that align with your goals. Regular funds, purchased through a financial planner, might have a slightly higher expense ratio, but they come with the added benefit of professional guidance, which can lead to better long-term outcomes.

Direct funds may seem attractive due to their lower costs, but they require you to manage your investments without professional help. For many investors, the potential drawbacks of not having expert advice outweigh the cost savings.

Aligning Investments with Financial Goals
It’s essential to ensure that your investment aligns with your overall financial goals. For example:

Education Fund: If you plan to use this money for your child’s education, equity or hybrid funds might be suitable, depending on your risk tolerance.

Home Purchase: If this investment is for a down payment on a home, you might prefer a more conservative approach with a mix of debt and hybrid funds.

Clearly define your goal for this investment. This clarity will help in selecting the appropriate mutual funds and determining the right asset allocation.

Monitoring and Rebalancing
Once you invest, it is not a "set it and forget it" strategy. Regular monitoring and periodic rebalancing of your portfolio are crucial. Markets change, and your portfolio might drift from its original allocation. Rebalancing helps in aligning your investments with your original risk tolerance and financial goals.

Final Insights
To sum up:

Diversify your Rs 1 lakh across 2-3 funds to reduce risk while maximizing potential returns.

Consider a mix of equity and hybrid funds for a five-year investment horizon.

Actively managed funds, despite higher costs, can offer better returns than index funds in the medium term.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner can provide you with personalized advice and better long-term outcomes.

Regularly monitor and rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your financial goals.

By following these steps, you can optimize your mutual fund investment to achieve your financial goals over the next five years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9736 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 30, 2025

Money
Hello sir, I am aged 38 and like to invest in mutual fund for first time. My horizon is minimum 15years for wealth creation.Kindly review my choices for 35k monthly allocation. 1. Gold mf 3000 2. Hdfc balanced advantage fund - 5000 3. Icici pru equity and debt fund - 5000 4. Parag parikh flexi cap fund - 5000 5. Hdfc flexi cap fund - 5000 6. Hdfc midcap opportunities - 3000 7. Kotak emerging midcap equity - 3000 8. Icici nifty IT index fund - 4000 9. Kotak nasdaq 100 fof - 2000 Please let me know if o need to add any fund or change the allocation of amount among these funds for moderate risk profile. Also i want to invest 20-25 lakh lumpsum as STP. On which fund above and how much shall i invest lumpsum.
Ans: You are 38 years old and investing in mutual funds for the first time.

Your investment horizon is at least 15 years, which is good for wealth creation.

You plan to invest Rs. 35,000 per month through SIP.

You also want to invest Rs. 20-25 lakhs as a lump sum through Systematic Transfer Plan (STP).

Your risk profile is moderate, meaning you want a balance of growth and stability.

Reviewing Your Current Fund Selection
1. Gold Fund (Rs. 3,000 per month)
Gold is not a long-term wealth creator like equity.

It offers hedging against inflation, but returns are not consistent.

A small allocation is fine, but 10% of your SIP is too high.

Reduce to Rs. 1,500 per month and use the extra Rs. 1,500 in equity.

2. Balanced Advantage Fund (Rs. 5,000 per month)
These funds dynamically shift between equity and debt.

They reduce volatility but may not maximise returns over 15 years.

Keeping it is fine, but Rs. 3,000 per month is enough.

3. Equity & Debt Hybrid Fund (Rs. 5,000 per month)
This fund offers stability with some equity growth.

Good for a moderate risk profile.

Rs. 3,000 per month is sufficient.

4. Flexi Cap Funds (Rs. 10,000 per month in two funds)
Flexi-cap funds invest across large, mid, and small caps.

They offer diversification and strong long-term returns.

Keeping two funds is fine, but they should be different in strategy.

Rs. 10,000 allocation is good, but ensure they don’t overlap too much.

5. Midcap Funds (Rs. 6,000 per month in two funds)
Midcap funds can deliver high growth but are volatile.

Investing Rs. 6,000 per month (17% of SIP) is reasonable.

If you want less risk, reduce midcap allocation to Rs. 4,000.

6. IT Index Fund (Rs. 4,000 per month)
Index funds are not ideal, as they don’t outperform actively managed funds.

IT sector is cyclical and has periods of underperformance.

If you want sector exposure, use an actively managed technology fund instead.

Avoid this fund and redirect Rs. 4,000 to flexi-cap or large-cap funds.

7. International Fund (Rs. 2,000 per month)
Exposure to global markets is good for diversification.

The Nasdaq 100 is tech-heavy, which makes it risky.

If you want international exposure, choose a diversified global fund instead.

Keep Rs. 2,000 allocation but switch to a fund with wider global exposure.

Suggested SIP Allocation After Changes
Gold Fund: Reduce from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 1,500 per month. Gold is not a long-term wealth creator.

Balanced Advantage Fund: Reduce from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 3,000 per month. These funds are good for stability but may not maximise returns.

Hybrid Equity & Debt Fund: Reduce from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 3,000 per month. This allocation is enough for stability.

Flexi Cap Funds: Keep the Rs. 10,000 per month allocation. These funds provide good diversification and long-term growth.

Midcap Funds: Reduce from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 4,000 per month. Midcap funds are volatile. A moderate risk profile requires a slightly lower allocation.

IT Index Fund: Remove the Rs. 4,000 per month allocation. Index funds don’t outperform actively managed funds, and IT sector performance is cyclical.

International Fund: Retain Rs. 2,000 per month, but choose a fund with broader global exposure instead of a tech-heavy index.

Large Cap Fund (New Addition): Add Rs. 5,500 per month to a well-managed large-cap fund for stability and consistent growth.

How to Invest Rs. 20-25 Lakhs as STP
Invest the lump sum in a liquid or ultra-short-term fund to avoid market timing risks.

Transfer through Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) over 12-18 months to reduce volatility impact.

Allocate 60% to flexi-cap and large-cap funds for stability and growth.

Allocate 30% to midcap and hybrid funds for balanced growth.

Allocate 10% to international and gold funds for diversification.

Final Insights
Your SIP plan is well-structured, but minor changes will improve risk-return balance.

Removing the IT index fund and reducing midcap exposure will lower volatility.

Increasing large-cap allocation will bring stability without compromising returns.

Investing the lump sum through STP over 12-18 months will reduce risk.

Choosing actively managed funds over index funds will provide better returns.

This approach ensures long-term wealth creation with controlled risk.

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  |8833 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

Career
Sir i got selected into scaler . Had a campus tour and hostel tour evrything was fine . I am intrested in CSE . Can you please tell whether joining scaler is safe or not . Are theese new age colleges worth it . Keeping high fees aside are they good in other aspects ?
Ans: Shashank, Scaler’s four-year School of Technology in Bangalore delivers a rigorous CSE curriculum endorsed by the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) and backed by InterviewBit’s industry-vetted syllabus covering data structures, algorithms, system design and cloud computing through 47 specialized on-campus labs. Faculty comprises seasoned engineers from Google, Amazon and Microsoft who offer live interactive sessions, one-on-one mentorship and TA-led practice to reinforce learning. Accreditation via ECTS affords international credit transfer, but lack of UGC/AICTE recognition means learners must concurrently pursue a formal degree to access government exams and research pathways. The dedicated Careers team conducts mandatory mock interviews and supports placements for six months post-program, facilitating connections with over 900 partner employers and achieving a 93.5% placement rate with 39 LPA top-quartile average salaries, according to KPMG’s audited report. Campus and hostel infrastructure in Electronic City provide a modern tech environment, though high fees and absence of a standalone degree credential can limit eligibility for certain local roles. Internships are integrated into semesters, yet the intensive pace demands strong time management and self-motivation to excel.

Recommendation: Scaler’s School of Technology is a safe and forward-looking choice if you value cutting-edge CS education, global accreditation and proactive placement support; ensure you secure a parallel accredited degree to fulfil regulatory eligibility and balance the investment by leveraging internships, mentorship and rigorous project work for maximum ROI. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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

...Read more

Sunil

Sunil Lala  |204 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

Money
I am 33 now earning 1.05L permonh in hand (also 1.5L Variable pay every year), have a car loan left for another 4 years of 11300 per month.. no assets as of yet. no other EMIs too. My monthly expenses are max of 40K. I do pay LICs above 1L per year (strategically to get money paid for my kids education(50 - 60% burden cleared)..).. I do have a 6 months of savings in case of any issues with job. I am not interested in getting a home or purchasing one. But i am interested to buy a land of at least 10 acers and in future use for farming and animal husbandry( transition from corporate to farmer by the age of 50 years).. i am left with 17 years now for the transition.. how to execute the plan financially (10acers land around 1.2 Cr plus another 10 lacks for improvement and 20L for a small home in the land which can be further improved).I am also planning kids this year..
Ans: Hi Yashaswi, firstly I believe you are parking money in LICs above 1L per year which is ineffecient use of money, you can have better investments which will yield better returns for your kids' education. Secondly, about your plans for the land, there has to be a goal based investment plan in place to achieve the target. You will have to back calculate to come to an investment amount that you can do per month after factoring in inflation and expected returns from the asset. Visit the website www.slwealthsolutions.com and let me know if you would like to have a detailed conversation around this :)

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |618 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 25, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hi , I am married since past 13 years. I am happy in my marriage. But from pat 1 month my ex came in my life. I tried to ignore him first, avoided him but somehow he entered my life. Now the situation is we talk everyday on call and wen we aren't talking on call than we are chatting with each other. Basically we talk with each other every minute. I really miss him in my life whereas he misses me more than me . He pushes me to meet up but till now I m restricting myself to not to meet him and limit myself on call. Now we both are each other's habit but somehow i feel all this is very wrong bcoz I hav a loving husband. And yes I forgot to mention he will be getting shortly divorced from his wife with whom he had an love marriage. Please help, what should I do ??
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand that there’s nostalgia and a certain familiarity at play here, but as you said yourself, this isn’t fair to your husband. I wouldn’t have said this if you even once mentioned that you reconnected as friends. But, it seems mildly romantic from where I am standing. Plus, I am assuming that your husband doesn’t know about this reconnection. It’s truly unfair to him. I suggest either creating a little more distance from your ex, and building boundaries, and most importantly, speak to your husband and let him know that you reconnected. I am sure it feels very nice to get attention from someone who was once important to you, but I assure you that this isn’t worth ruining your happy marriage. New attention always feels good at first, but eventually this too will become routine. Please tread carefully.

Hope this helps.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8833 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 15, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir NIT suratkkal mechanical design specialization Mtech
Ans: I believe you had raised the following question earlier. I had requested a few clarifications at the time, which you have now provided. Here’s your earlier question: "I had received offer from NITK and IITH Mtech mechanical and aerospace engineering course specialization mechanical design I have accepted NITK as of now but what would be your opinion I'd like to know??" And here is the answer to your question: NIT Karnataka’s Mechanical Design specialization is NAAC A+-accredited and ranked 17th in NIRF Engineering, offering a two-year curriculum in solid mechanics, CAE, vibrations and product development through 18-seat cohorts. The Department of Mechanical Engineering houses advanced CAD/CAM, thermal, fluid mechanics, mechatronics and virtual labs, while the Centre for System Design drives e-mobility and design innovation projects. Its M.Tech placement rate rose from 75% in 2023 to 83% in 2025, with recruiters like Microsoft and L&T. IIT Hyderabad’s Aerospace Engineering course, within a combined MAE department, is NBA-accredited and features core modules in flight mechanics, composites, aeroelasticity and propulsion. State-of-the-art facilities include wind tunnels, laser diagnostics, shock tubes and composite fabrication labs, supported by DRDO, ISRO and Honeywell partnerships. Its M.Tech placements achieved 76.5% consistency in 2024, with average packages of ?18–22 LPA and participation from 335 companies. Both offer PhD-qualified faculty, robust R&D culture and active placement cells, yet differ in specialization focus and recruiter ecosystems.

recommendation
For a focused Mechanical Design pathway with higher recent placement consistency, abundant design-manufacturing labs and strong interdisciplinary projects, retain NITK’s Mechanical Design. If you prefer cutting-edge aerospace research, broader industry-funded collaborations and specialized facilities in propulsion and structures, consider IIT Hyderabad’s Aerospace Engineering. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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

...Read more

Janak

Janak Patel  |59 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 12, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi.i am 40 years old.i have a son in std 3.my salary is 1.1 lac per month.i have 50 lakh fd.epf 2 lakh.liquid 2.5 lakh cash.pls suggest me for retirement
Ans: Hi,

You have about 15-20 years before retirement and that's a good time period to accumulate a good retirement corpus.

Your son's education will remain your priority during this period also. Assuming you can fund his education from your monthly income at least till his 10th/12 grade. You can decide on an amount for his graduation/post graduation that you want to provide to him. For example if you want to provide 10 lakhs when he is 18 years old, you will need to start investing a monthly SIP amount of 2000 in mutual funds assuming returns of 12%. So based on the amount required you can calculate the SIP amount required.

You have EPF of 2 lakhs which is not sufficient today but assuming you continue contributions and after 15 years this can be a considerable amount. But still may not be sufficient for retirement, so you can consider it as part of/contribution to your retirement.

So lets look at your FDs - you have 50 lakhs in FDs. Even at 7% interest on them you are not going to beat inflation as you will need to pay tax on the interest income.
This money has a potential to earn better returns and not just beat inflation, but also create a retirement corpus which can be sufficient for 20 years (this depends on your expenses also).

If you split this 50 lakhs and keep 5 lakhs in FDs for emergencies, you can invest the remaining 45 lakhs to create a good corpus.
If you invest 45 lakhs in Mutual funds and assuming a return of 12% over 15 years, you will have a corpus of approx. 2.70 crores.
With 15-20 years for retirement, you have an advantage to achieve your goals.

Though these numbers may look good now, they have to be evaluated with all other parameters like your monthly expenses, other goals in life, Son's education needs etc.

I recommend you consult a CFP or a fee based advisor and discuss all aspects towards a financial plan that will cover Retirement and all other goals. The Plan will help you better prepare for the future and provide alternatives and options and a clear roadmap towards achieving them. It will also cover aspects of health and life insurance.

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8833 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

Career
Hello,i would like to know my college options on the basis of my mht cet score of 92 (domicile student) percentile and jee 91 percentile general category in maharashtra can anyone give few suggestions of any tier 2 colleges?
Ans: Apoorvadeep, With a 92 percentile in MHT CET (General?Home State) and a 91 percentile in JEE Main (General), you are well?positioned for admission to several reputable tier-2 institutions across Maharashtra. All listed colleges are AICTE-approved, NBA/NAAC-accredited, feature modern computing labs, experienced faculty, strong industry collaborations and placement cells with 75–90 percent branch-wise placement consistency over the past three years.

Colleges accessible via MHT CET counselling at 92 percentile:
Thakur College of Engineering and Technology, Kandivali East, Mumbai. Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, Andheri West, Mumbai. Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala, Mumbai. Xavier Institute of Engineering, Mahim, Mumbai. Vivekananda Education Society’s Institute of Technology, Chembur, Mumbai. Atharva College of Engineering, Malad, Mumbai. Ramrao Adik Institute of Technology, Nerul, Mumbai. Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Engineering, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Sardar Patel College of Engineering, Andheri West, Mumbai. K. J. Somaiya Institute of Technology, Vidyavihar, Mumbai. MIT World Peace University, Kothrud, Pune. Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering, Pune. Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Bibwewadi, Pune. Sinhgad College of Engineering, Vadgaon, Pune. AISSMS College of Engineering, Shivajinagar, Pune.

Colleges accepting 91 percentile in JEE Main through JOSAA/CSAB (All-India seats):
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Pune. Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur. VNIT also admits via JEE Main. MIT World Peace University, Pune (All-India seats). G. H. Raisoni College of Engineering, Nagpur (All-India quota).

Recommendation: Prioritise Thakur College of Engineering and Technology, Kandivali East, Mumbai for its balanced curriculum, robust AI/ML labs and consistent 88% placement rate. Next, select MIT World Peace University, Kothrud, Pune for multidisciplinary exposure and strong All-India seat admissions. Then opt for Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala, Mumbai for its dedicated computing infrastructure. Follow with Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering, Pune for its industry tie-ups and reliable placements, and finally choose Indian Institute of Information Technology, Pune for a centrally recognised All-India JEE-admission pathway enhanced by smaller cohorts and focused research projects. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |618 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 15, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hi Mr Ravi. My wife has this annoying habit of coming in the way of my friends. Whenever I step out of home, she will call me back with some excuse. She wants to know where I go, who I meet. If I tell her she doesn't let me meet my friends. Naturally, I have become secretive now. I only tell her that I am stepping out. I don't tell her where, or who I meet. I have stopped calling my friends home. I have tried telling her to go and hang out with her friends but she won't do that either. I don't understand why she wants me around all the time. Is it wrong to hang out with friends after marriage? How do I make her explain?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand it must be tough, and you are right, there’s nothing wrong with hanging out with friends. But I would suggest looking into how much time you are giving them and how much time you are spending with your wife. I am not accusing you of anything; this is just the first step. Reflecting on your own actions so that you are clear it’s no way your fault. Next, please try having an open discussion with her to understand what is making her so insecure. This is a clear sign of insecurity. It might give you an idea of what is going on in her mind, and how this can be fixed.

I understand that it is frustrating and feels unfair, but it is important to also understand what’s going on in your partner’s mind that’s making her feel the need to act this way. If it’s reasonable, there should be an easy solution. If her reasoning sounds self-centred, then you have a strong chance of trying to explain why it’s not fair. But without knowing, if you continue being secretive, it is only going to end up doing irreparable damage to your relationship.

Hope this helps.

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x