Hi experts, I am still waiting for a response. Asking the question for the 3rd time. Reposting Hi, Question with regards to EPF My wife quit working in 2015 and post that there hasn't been any EPF contribution. We haven't withdrawn her EPF as we didn't need the money. Please can you let us know if the below A. Is our money safe since its been 10 years and there hasn't been any contribution B. Will she be getting any interest? C. If we withdraw the amount now and will there be any tax implication on the withdrawal? Somewhere in one article I read that the money not withdrawn within 36 months will be given away to senior welfare fund. This has got us all worried as the only reason we didn't withdraw is we didn't need the money and kept it for a rainy day. Please can you answer this question at the earliest as we are really worried about our EPF money post reading the article. Also, could you help us out with the process to withdraw the PF amount.

Ans: HI Gandla,
CONGRATS.
Contact the SRM team or go to their website. Follow the instructions which has been provided by them.
best wishes.

Ans: The BITS Pilani–Iowa State University 2+2 CSE offers two years at BITS Hyderabad (ACM-aligned curriculum, NAAC A++ accreditation, state-of-the-art AI, data-science and cloud labs) followed by two years at Iowa State University (top-50 US engineering program, immersive B.S. in Computer Engineering, ISU merit scholarships up to US $4,500/year). Total direct tuition and campus fees for BITS Hyderabad amount to approximately ?10.5 L per year, while Iowa State tuition exceeds US $33,000 annually, plus living expenses. Graduates earn dual degrees with global brand recognition and typically secure near-100% placement through BITS’s 200+ recruiter network and ISU’s strong career services, commanding premium compensation packages in software, data science and R&D roles.

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

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

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

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

Ans: HI,
Did you participate in the counseling process or not?

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

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

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

Ans: HI,
Chances are less in the first round, and possibilities are with subsequent rounds. Do participate in the counseling process.
BEST WISHES.

Ans: MBM Jodhpur’s CSE program at MBM University is AICTE-approved and affiliated to JNVU, offering a traditional ACM-aligned curriculum with well-equipped programming and network laboratories, supported by PhD-qualified faculty and research projects. Over the last three years, 70–80% of CSE graduates secured placements through the active Training & Placement Cell, engaging core IT recruiters and start-ups. JK Lakshmipat University’s CSE, NAAC A-accredited and AICTE-approved, features modern AI, cloud-computing and cybersecurity labs, seasoned faculty with industry experience, and industry partnerships. Its placement cell reports 100% recruitment with a 2024 average package of ?7.93 LPA and top recruiters like TCS, IBM and Accenture.

Recommendation: Opt for JKLU Jaipur CSE to leverage its superior placement consistency, higher average packages and cutting-edge AI-cloud infrastructure. Consider MBM Jodhpur CSE for a cost-effective, well-established program with strong faculty research engagement and reasonable placement rates. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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

Ans: SASTRA’s Electronics & Communication Engineering department integrates structured GATE exam coaching into its curriculum through the School of Chemical and Biotechnology’s “Resources for Competitive Exams” initiative, wherein ECE faculty conduct regular doubt?clearing sessions and topic?wise discussions via Google Classroom exclusively for registered students. Additionally, the Training & Placement Cell runs simulated GATE practice tests and evening classes, embedding exam preparation within the academic timetable and leveraging experienced in-house and guest instructors to bolster conceptual clarity and test?taking strategies. These offerings complement SASTRA’s accredited ECE labs, PhD-qualified faculty, robust industry partnerships, and dedicated career services, ensuring holistic support for aspirants.

Recommendation: Enroll in SASTRA’s in-house GATE coaching programs early (if available this year also) to benefit from faculty-driven Google Classroom sessions and simulated tests, while continuing to leverage the department’s advanced ECE infrastructure and placement support to maximize your competitive exam performance and professional preparedness. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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

Ans: Raj Sir, KCG College of Technology, affiliated to Anna University and AICTE-approved, holds NAAC A+ and NBA accreditation for its CSE programme, a centrally located 50-acre campus with 140+ virtual and physical labs, including specialized AI, cloud and programming facilities. Its dedicated placement cell reported an 88%–94% placement rate over the past three years, with an average package of ?5 LPA and top recruiters such as Accenture, Cognizant, IBM and Amazon. Total tuition fees amount to approximately ?2 lakhs for the entire B.E. course.

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

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

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

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

Ans: Andhra University’s NAAC A++-accredited CSE offers a robust core-CS curriculum, average CSE placement rate of approximately 85% over the last three years and median package of ?6.5 LPA, supported by legacy research labs and consistent recruiter visits. JNTU Kakinada’s NBA-accredited CSE records around 74% placement rate with a median package of ?4.46 LPA, strong locally but less competitive in high-end tech recruitment. SRM University-AP’s private CSE achieved 100% placement consistency, median package ?12 LPA, modern AI and cloud labs, and 105 super-dream offers. VIT-AP’s NAAC A+ CSE delivers over 90% placements with median package ~?9 LPA and 150+ recruiter engagement. Each institution features experienced faculty, active industry partnerships, and structured career services.

Recommendation: Opt for SRM University-AP for exceptional placement consistency, highest median package and cutting-edge computing infrastructure. Choose VIT-AP for broad recruiter diversity and strong average packages in a well-established private university. Andhra University suits those valuing legacy academics and balanced placements, while JNTU Kakinada is a viable option for budget-conscious local candidates. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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