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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 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
Rohan Question by Rohan on May 04, 2024Hindi
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Sir need your expert advice on my following SIPs 1. MA nifty smallcap 250 momentum quality 100 ETF - 10000 2. MOMOMENTUM ETF - 10000 3. MO Large and midcap - 10000 4. Edelweiss nifty midcap 150 momentum 50 - 10000 5. ITBEES - 10000 I am more aligned towards passive investment and will continue to do around 10 yrs with annual step up 10%. After that I will stop investing and have plan to take home loan of 1.2 to 1.5 cr to buy dream home and let my invested amount compound for further next 10 years.

Ans: It's great that you're investing through SIPs and planning for your future financial goals. However, it's essential to review your portfolio periodically to ensure it aligns with your objectives and risk tolerance. Here are some points to consider:

Diversification: Your portfolio seems heavily focused on ETFs tracking momentum-based strategies. While momentum investing can yield high returns, it's important to diversify across different asset classes and investment styles to reduce risk. Consider adding exposure to other sectors or asset classes like debt or international equities for better diversification.
Risk Management: Momentum strategies can be volatile and may underperform during market downturns. Ensure you're comfortable with the level of risk associated with your investments, especially considering your long-term investment horizon. Regularly monitor the performance of your investments and be prepared to rebalance if needed.
Passive vs. Active Management: While passive investing offers cost-effective exposure to broad market indices, consider the merits of active management, especially in volatile markets or specialized sectors. Actively managed funds may provide opportunities for alpha generation through skilled fund management.
Annual Step-Up: Your strategy of increasing SIP amounts annually is commendable as it helps boost savings over time and counteracts the impact of inflation. Continue to review your investment goals and adjust your SIP amounts as needed to stay on track with your financial objectives.
Long-Term Planning: Your plan to let your investments compound for 10 years after stopping SIPs and using the proceeds for a home loan is sound. Ensure you have a clear understanding of your housing finance needs, including EMI affordability, interest rates, and loan tenure, to make an informed decision.
Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a certified financial planner to review your portfolio holistically, taking into account your risk profile, financial goals, and time horizon. They can provide personalized recommendations and help optimize your investment strategy for long-term success.
Overall, while passive investing through ETFs can be an efficient way to gain market exposure, it's important to maintain a balanced approach and periodically review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your evolving financial goals and risk tolerance.
Asked on - Jun 02, 2024 | Answered on Jun 03, 2024
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Thank you sir????
Ans: You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Best wishes on your financial journey!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
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 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 24, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am 25 year old and have started investing in SIPs for the first time since last hear. I do 1. HDFC Index Fund Nifty 50 -5,500 2. MIRAE Asset Midcap fund - 3500 3. Axis small cap - 2500 4. JM Flexicap - (one time investment) - 20,000 5. Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU equity - (one time) - 6000 6. Quant Mid cap - 3,500 7. Quant Infrastructure- 1,000 8. ICICI Prudential retirement - 1000 9. QUANT ELSS - 1,000 10. Parag Pareikh - 1000 11. Nippon India - 1000 12. SBI PSU - 1000 Overall my monthly SIP goes around 25,000-30,000 and my plan is to retire at the age of 50 with 5 Crore. XIRR - 27.33% Please suggest if i need to make any changes
Ans: It's impressive to see a 25-year-old like you investing diligently in SIPs. Your commitment to securing your financial future early is commendable. Let's evaluate your portfolio and see if any changes are necessary to help you achieve your goal of Rs 5 crore by the age of 50.

Diversification and Allocation
You have a diverse portfolio with investments across different categories:

Large-cap Index Fund

Mid-cap Funds

Small-cap Fund

Flexi-cap Fund

Sector Funds (PSU, Infrastructure)

Retirement Fund

ELSS Fund

This diversification helps spread risk and capture growth from various market segments.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds, like your HDFC Index Fund Nifty 50, track the market and offer average returns. They cannot outperform the market. Actively managed funds, managed by experts, aim to beat the market, offering potential for higher returns. Given your long investment horizon, actively managed funds could be more beneficial.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are overseen by professional managers who make strategic decisions to outperform the market. These funds can provide better returns, especially in volatile markets. With the right selection, actively managed funds can significantly enhance your portfolio's performance.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds have lower costs but lack professional guidance. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a CFP credential ensures you receive expert advice. This professional support helps in making informed decisions and aligning investments with your financial goals.

Assessing Your Sector Funds
Your investments in sector funds like Quant Infrastructure and SBI PSU can offer high returns but also come with high risk. Sector funds are dependent on the performance of specific sectors. Diversifying too much into sector funds can increase risk. Consider limiting exposure to sector funds to balance your portfolio.

Importance of Reviewing Portfolio
Regularly reviewing your portfolio is essential to ensure it aligns with your financial goals. Market conditions and personal circumstances change over time. A periodic review helps in rebalancing your portfolio and maintaining the desired risk-return profile.

Evaluating Long-Term Goals
Your goal of Rs 5 crore by the age of 50 is ambitious but achievable with a disciplined approach. Considering the power of compounding and historical market returns, maintaining a consistent investment strategy will be key to reaching your target.

Projecting Future Returns
While exact future returns are unpredictable, a diversified portfolio with a mix of actively managed funds and strategic investments can provide good growth. Historically, equity mutual funds have delivered around 12-15% annual returns. Adjusting your portfolio to optimize for this growth can help achieve your long-term goal.

Suggestions for Improvement
Increase Allocation to Actively Managed Funds: Shift some investments from index funds to actively managed funds to potentially achieve higher returns.

Reduce Sector Fund Exposure: Limit investments in sector-specific funds to manage risk better.

Regular Reviews and Rebalancing: Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and market conditions.

Conclusion
Your current investment strategy is strong and diversified, setting a solid foundation for future growth. With some adjustments to focus more on actively managed funds and regular portfolio reviews, you can enhance your chances of achieving your Rs 5 crore goal by the age of 50. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide tailored advice to optimize your investment strategy.

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 Jan 29, 2025

Money
Hello, I am 36 years old, married & have 1 daughter (5 years old). I'm investing in following funds & have investment horizon of more than 15 years. 1) SBI Small Cap - 7500 (3Yrs) 2) Axis Small Cap - 4500 (3Yrs) 3) Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Fund - 2500 (4Yrs) 4) Mirae Asset ELSS Tax Saver Fund - 3000 (3Yrs) 5) SBI Energy Opportunities Fund - 3000 (10Months) I'm planning to Rs. 30,000 more from next months. Can you please suggest in which SIP/ETF I should invest this 30k amount? And any changes I should make in my existing SIP investment? Please provide your valuable feedback.
Ans: Current Portfolio Assessment
Your portfolio has a mix of small-cap, large & mid-cap, ELSS, and thematic funds. Each category serves a different purpose.

Small-Cap Funds (Rs 12,000 per month): These funds have high growth potential but are volatile. A long-term horizon is needed.

Large & Mid-Cap Fund (Rs 2,500 per month): This balances risk and return. It provides stability with mid-cap growth.

ELSS Tax Saver Fund (Rs 3,000 per month): Helps in tax savings under Section 80C. It also has a three-year lock-in period.

Thematic/Energy Fund (Rs 3,000 per month): Sectoral funds are risky. They depend on the performance of a specific industry.

Your overall portfolio has a high allocation to small-cap and thematic funds. This increases risk. A more balanced approach is needed.

Issues in Current Portfolio
Overexposure to Small-Caps: Small-cap funds form a large part of your portfolio. This increases volatility.

Low Diversification: There is no exposure to Flexi-Cap or Multi-Cap funds. These provide stability.

Thematic Fund Allocation: Energy funds are cyclical. Performance may fluctuate based on government policies and global trends.

Low Large-Cap Exposure: Large-caps provide stability. You have no pure large-cap fund.

ELSS Fund Limitation: This is good for tax savings, but you need to check if your 80C limit is already met.

Suggested Changes to Existing SIPs
Reduce Small-Cap Allocation: Reduce one of the small-cap funds and shift the amount to a diversified fund.

Add a Multi-Cap or Flexi-Cap Fund: These funds invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks. They provide diversification.

Reduce Thematic Fund Exposure: Limit sectoral funds to a smaller percentage of your portfolio.

Increase Large-Cap Allocation: This will add stability to your portfolio. Large-cap funds perform well in bear markets.

Continue ELSS If Needed: If you need more tax savings, continue. Otherwise, consider shifting to a diversified equity fund.

Where to Invest the Additional Rs 30,000
You should allocate this amount to reduce risk and improve stability. Below is a suggested allocation.

Multi-Cap or Flexi-Cap Fund (Rs 10,000): This ensures diversification across market caps.

Large-Cap Fund (Rs 7,500): Adds stability and reduces overall portfolio risk.

Mid-Cap Fund (Rs 7,500): Mid-caps have high growth potential with moderate risk.

Balanced Advantage Fund (Rs 5,000): These funds adjust equity and debt allocation based on market conditions.

Why Avoid Index Funds and ETFs?
No Fund Manager Expertise: Actively managed funds can outperform index funds over long periods.

Higher Downside Risk in Bear Markets: Index funds mirror the market. Actively managed funds can reduce losses during downturns.

No Flexibility in Market Cycles: Fund managers in active funds can shift allocations based on market conditions.

ETF Liquidity Issues: Buying and selling ETFs depend on market demand. This can impact prices.

Why Invest in Regular Funds via an MFD with CFP Credential?
Expert Guidance: Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) provide tailored investment strategies.

Portfolio Monitoring: MFDs help in reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio.

No DIY Errors: Direct investors often make mistakes in fund selection and exit timing.

Behavioral Coaching: MFDs prevent panic selling during market crashes.

Convenience: MFDs handle paperwork, taxation, and portfolio adjustments.

Final Insights
Reduce small-cap and thematic fund allocation.

Add large-cap and multi-cap funds for stability.

Allocate the new Rs 30,000 in a diversified manner.

Avoid index funds and ETFs for better returns and risk management.

Use regular funds via an MFD with a CFP credential for expert advice.

This strategy will help you build wealth while managing risks.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 12, 2025

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Money
Hello, I am 36 years old, married & have 1 daughter (5 years old). I'm investing in following funds & have investment horizon of more than 15 years. 1) SBI Small Cap - 7500 (3Yrs) 2) Axis Small Cap - 4500 (3Yrs) 3) Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Fund - 2500 (4Yrs) 4) Mirae Asset ELSS Tax Saver Fund - 3000 (3Yrs) 5) SBI Energy Opportunities Fund - 3000 (10Months) I'm planning to invest Rs. 30,000 per month more from next months. Can you please suggest in which SIP/ETF I should invest this 30k amount? And any changes I should make in my existing SIP investment? Please provide your valuable feedback.
Ans: You have done a good job by consistently investing in mutual funds. Your investment horizon of more than 15 years is a big advantage. This long-term approach will help you build significant wealth.

Your current portfolio has a mix of small-cap, large & mid-cap, sectoral, and ELSS funds. However, a few adjustments can improve diversification and risk management. Below is a detailed assessment of your portfolio and investment strategy.

Assessment of Your Existing Mutual Fund Portfolio
Small-Cap Exposure: You have Rs 12,000 per month in small-cap funds. This is around 44% of your SIP portfolio. Small-cap funds can give high returns but also have high risk and volatility. Such a high allocation is not advisable for stability.

Large & Mid-Cap Exposure: Rs 2,500 per month in this category is good. Large & mid-cap funds provide a balance between growth and stability.

Sectoral Fund Exposure: Rs 3,000 per month is in an energy-focused fund. Sectoral funds are highly concentrated and risky. They perform well only when the sector is in a growth phase.

ELSS Fund for Tax Savings: You are investing Rs 3,000 per month in an ELSS fund. This is a good choice for tax-saving under Section 80C. However, ensure you are not over-investing just for tax benefits.

Changes Suggested in Your Existing Portfolio
Reduce Small-Cap Allocation: Reduce SBI Small Cap and Axis Small Cap allocation. You can shift some funds to diversified equity funds.

Exit Sectoral Fund: Energy sector exposure is very high-risk. Instead, move this amount to a diversified multi-cap or flexi-cap fund.

Increase Large & Mid-Cap Allocation: Your large & mid-cap investment is low. Increase allocation to this category for stability.

Where to Invest the Additional Rs 30,000 Per Month?
Instead of ETFs, invest in actively managed mutual funds. Active funds can outperform in the long run due to expert fund management. Below is a recommended SIP allocation for better diversification.

Large & Mid-Cap Funds (Rs 7,000) – These provide stability and reasonable growth. They perform well across different market cycles.

Flexi-Cap Funds (Rs 7,000) – These funds have the flexibility to invest in large, mid, and small-cap stocks based on market conditions. They help in managing risk better.

Mid-Cap Funds (Rs 6,000) – Mid-cap stocks have the potential to generate good returns. However, they carry moderate risk.

Balanced Advantage Fund (Rs 5,000) – These funds automatically manage asset allocation between equity and debt. This helps in reducing risk.

Debt Mutual Fund for Stability (Rs 5,000) – This will add stability to your portfolio. You can choose a short-duration or corporate bond fund.

Why Not Index Funds or ETFs?
Lower Flexibility: Index funds follow a fixed benchmark. They do not adapt to changing market conditions.

No Downside Protection: Actively managed funds adjust their portfolio in a market downturn. Index funds cannot do this.

Potential for Higher Returns in Active Funds: A good fund manager can outperform the index over long periods.

Final Insights
Reduce small-cap exposure for better risk management.
Exit the sectoral fund and move to diversified equity funds.
Increase large & mid-cap allocation for stability.
Invest new SIPs in flexi-cap, mid-cap, and balanced advantage funds.
Avoid ETFs and index funds, as actively managed funds offer better growth potential.
Add a debt fund to bring stability to the portfolio.
These changes will help you build a well-diversified portfolio. You will achieve wealth creation with controlled risk.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
sir, am 26 year old and have some SIPs for Rs 1000 each. 1. QUANT SMALL CAP FUND DIRECT 2. NIPPON INDIA LARGE CAP DIRECT 3. MIRAE ASSEST ELSS TAX SAVER 4. UTI NIFTY 50 5. PARAG PARIKH FLEXI CAP 6. TATA MIDCAP GROWTH DIRECT 7. TATA SMALL CAP DIRECT my question is, these are good SIPs for next 10-15 years ? second is i want to invest 10000 more per month, please let me know which SIPs will be good for next 15 years. Thanks
Ans: At age 26, it is appreciable that you have started investing early.

It shows responsibility towards your future financial goals.

Your current SIPs are diversified across multiple categories.

But some of these SIPs may not be aligned well for long-term consistency.

Let us now review each one professionally.

1. Quant Small Cap Fund - Direct

Small caps can be volatile.

This fund is aggressive and high-risk.

Direct plans have no guidance or monitoring.

This may affect long-term performance.

Switching to a regular plan with a Certified Financial Planner is better.

This will ensure proper guidance and rebalancing.

2. Nippon India Large Cap - Direct

Large caps offer stability in a portfolio.

However, this fund’s long-term consistency is not very strong.

Also, direct plans lack expert monitoring.

A regular plan through a CFP ensures better handholding.

Tracking and performance review becomes easier.

3. Mirae Asset ELSS Tax Saver

This fund is decent for tax saving.

It is diversified and has shown fair returns.

However, regular review is still needed.

A regular plan helps with documentation and timely alerts.

Switching to regular mode can be beneficial in the long run.

4. UTI Nifty 50 - Direct

This is an index fund.

Index funds only mirror the market.

They do not aim to beat the market.

They lack human intelligence and flexibility.

They don’t perform well during corrections or sideways markets.

Actively managed funds have higher potential.

They can outperform in changing market situations.

Consider replacing this with a well-managed large cap fund.

In regular plan through CFP, you get guided fund selection.

5. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap

Flexi cap funds provide flexibility across market segments.

This fund has been popular recently.

But it has higher exposure to international stocks.

This brings currency risk and regulatory risks.

Also, it may overlap with other holdings.

You should regularly monitor for overlap and concentration.

Again, direct mode has no professional review.

6. Tata Midcap Growth - Direct

Midcaps are good for long-term.

But they need close tracking due to higher volatility.

A regular plan with expert guidance is ideal.

Direct mode will not help during market correction periods.

Switching to regular mode will ensure ongoing support.

7. Tata Small Cap - Direct

Small caps are risky in short to medium term.

This should not be your core holding.

Should be allocated only with close guidance.

Again, direct plans can go off-track without support.

If unmanaged, can bring portfolio imbalance.

Assessment of Direct Funds: Key Concerns

Direct funds may look cheaper in expense.

But they lack professional support and review.

There is no monitoring of changes in fund quality.

You may miss timely exits and rebalancing.

A Certified Financial Planner guides with logic and analysis.

They also help align your funds with your goals.

Regular plans have MFD support and rebalancing discipline.

They protect from behavioural mistakes during market volatility.

Overall, regular funds with expert guidance bring higher net value.

What Can Be Done with Your Existing SIPs?

You can consider the following changes:

Discontinue index fund (UTI Nifty 50) SIP.

   

Reduce exposure to direct small and midcap funds.

   

Switch from direct plans to regular plans via a Certified Financial Planner.

   

Ensure SIPs are part of a professionally constructed portfolio.

   

Ensure proper asset allocation, fund category balancing and tax efficiency.

   

New SIP of Rs 10,000 per Month – Suggestions

For your new Rs 10,000 monthly SIP, here is a 360-degree plan:

Allocate across diversified categories.

   

Ensure each fund has low overlap and different market focus.

   

Invest in 3 to 4 funds max.

   

All in regular mode with CFP-led support.

   

Avoid index funds, as they only match market returns.

   

Go for actively managed funds with proven history.

   

Include large-cap, mid-cap and flexi-cap mix.

   

Monitor quarterly with your Certified Financial Planner.

   

Additional Guidance for 15-Year Wealth Building

At 26, your time horizon is excellent.

But long-term wealth creation needs more than just SIPs.

It needs strategy and discipline.

Below are key steps for a full-circle approach:

Set clear financial goals: Home, car, retirement, child education etc.

   

Link SIPs to each goal separately.

   

Keep emergency fund in place (6 months expenses).

   

Get sufficient life and health insurance (pure protection plans).

   

Avoid investment-cum-insurance products.

   

They give low returns and poor insurance.

   

Do not mix insurance with investment.

   

Track your SIP performance annually.

   

Rebalance if some funds underperform.

   

Maintain asset allocation: Equity, Debt and Liquid.

   

Avoid emotional reactions during market dips.

   

Stay invested with guidance from your CFP.

   

Be aware of taxation rules on equity and debt funds.

   

LTCG on equity above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

   

STCG on equity is taxed at 20%.

   

Debt fund gains are taxed as per income slab.

   

Regular plan MFD and CFP helps with all tax planning.

   

What Not to Do in the Next 15 Years

Don’t invest in index funds.

   

They lack active strategy.

   

Don’t choose funds by past returns only.

   

Don’t use direct funds without financial expertise.

   

Don’t invest in real estate for returns.

   

Don’t invest in annuity products for retirement.

   

Don’t mix investment and insurance.

   

Don’t make decisions based on short-term news or noise.

   

Don’t stop SIPs during market corrections.

   

Role of a Certified Financial Planner

A Certified Financial Planner helps you:

Set goals based on life stages.

   

Create custom SIP and lump sum plans.

   

Select the best active funds for your goals.

   

Rebalance annually to stay on track.

   

Plan taxes as per latest rules.

   

Protect wealth with right insurances.

   

Build retirement with strategic planning.

   

Create a total financial blueprint for life.

   

Keep emotions out of financial decisions.

   

Final Insights

You have taken a great step by starting early.

But choosing the right funds is key.

More important is monitoring them regularly.

Direct plans lack this important support.

Switching to regular plans under CFP brings value.

Also, add Rs 10,000 new SIP with proper strategy.

Don’t follow trends.

Stay committed and review annually.

Avoid overlapping funds and unnecessary risks.

Have a complete financial roadmap in place.

You are building your future.

Make each rupee work with expert guidance.

This 360-degree approach will lead to better outcomes.

You will be financially secure and confident.

Take the next steps with clarity and care.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

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

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1841 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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