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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 11, 2025

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
Gaurav Question by Gaurav on Sep 11, 2025Hindi
Money

Dear financial guru. I am 46 now have a small buisness which I started with 2lac loan soon after my graduation , have 2 sons age 17 and 13 my wife is 40 year she is housewife. From the first day i started savings 1. Now have a corpus of 1cr in FD in bank with monthly intrest withdrawl of 60000 per month on 7% approx This is my retirement corpus 2. Have 1 flat of around 75 lac value which i have given on rent fetching me 20000 per month rent monthly. 3 . Have a investment in 2 plots with current value of around 4 cr and 80 lac 5 living in my ancestral home so I assume it with zero value of selling. 4. PPF ac having saving of around 25 lac matured I have extended it to another 5 years 5. Lic policy of around total 30 lac maturing in around 5 years. 6. Soviener gold bond of todays value for around 12 lac 6. Buisness income around 60000-90000 per month now as now my buissnesd is down due to recession. 7. No loans to repay . No monthly emi to pay. 8. I have taken family health insurance of 25 lac which I will increase to 50 lac in wen I am 50 years. So my current income is Fd intrest 60000 Rent 20000 Buisness income 60000-90000 Total 140000 -180000 Current monthly expenses including school fees 110000 Monthly saving after expense 50000 approx Now my aim 1. Need for my sons education , as my eldor son is 17years good in studies from next year I will be needing around1 lac to 1.50 lac monthly for 4 years as he will be doing btech from good collage maybe in india or abroad. 2 . Plans are approx same for younger son cuurently in 7th will be needing same amount after 4 years for further 5 years for his studies. So need 1-2 lac monthly from next year for around 8-10 years for studies of my both son. After that I will retire and need approx same amount for my entire life. Don’t like invest in share and mutual funds always want safe investment like fd. Pls guide me , I am thinking of selling one plot of 80 lac to manage funds for both sons education exp which I need for 8 -10 years. Second plot I plan to sell wen it’s value come to around 5-6 cr in another 3-4 years from now and will buy another commercial property which will fetching me rental of around 2.5 lac monthly if I rent it to a bank .or will put entire amount in fd with monthly pay out of around 7-8%. Pls guide me if am on right track because have limited knowledge . Thx

Ans: It shows your serious planning mindset.
You have already built a good corpus through disciplined saving.
Let me provide a detailed 360-degree perspective on your financial plan.

» Current financial overview
– Age: 46 years.
– Family: Wife (40 years), two sons (17 and 13 years).
– No loans or EMIs.
– Fixed Deposit corpus: Rs 1 crore, generating approx Rs 60,000 per month interest.
– Rental income from flat: Rs 20,000 per month.
– Business income: Rs 60,000 to Rs 90,000 per month (currently down due to recession).
– PPF: Rs 25 lakh, extended for another 5 years.
– LIC policy: Rs 30 lakh maturing in 5 years.
– Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB): Rs 12 lakh.
– Land plots: One valued at Rs 80 lakh, another at Rs 4 crore.
– Monthly expenses including school fees: Rs 1.1 lakh.
– Savings: Approx Rs 50,000 per month.

» Educational expense planning for your sons
– Eldest son (17 years):

Starting next year, you need Rs 1–1.5 lakh per month for 4 years.

This includes college tuition, accommodation, and other expenses.

– Younger son (13 years):

In 4 years, similar needs for the next 5–6 years.

Estimated monthly need: Rs 1–2 lakh during that time.

– Total Education need:

For 8–10 years, approx Rs 1–2 lakh per month.

Could amount to Rs 1 crore or more in total.

» Using your current assets to meet this need
– Selling the 80 lakh plot seems reasonable.

Will give immediate funds for the next 8–10 years.

Helps avoid disruption in your sons' education.

– Keep the larger 4 crore plot.

You plan to sell it after 3–4 years when value reaches 5–6 crore.

Then invest in commercial property.

Rental expected: Rs 2.5 lakh per month.

» Thoughts on the commercial property plan
– Renting to a bank is a stable option.

Gives steady rental income and long-term security.
– Alternatively, keeping the amount in Fixed Deposit is safe.

Current FD interest ~7–8%.

Good for predictable cash flow.
– My suggestion:

If long-term goal is passive income, commercial property is good.

Ensure proper due diligence before buying commercial property.

Check rental agreement terms and bank reputation.

» Your risk preference is low, preferring FDs
– It is fine to prefer safety.
– But over-relying on FD can reduce real returns.
– Inflation erodes FD’s real value.
– Diversification is important for stability and growth.

» Better safe investment alternatives
– Government-backed bonds or Sovereign Gold Bonds are good.

Provides safety and small capital appreciation.

Interest or bond value grows over time.

– PPF is safe and tax-efficient.

Continue holding and investing further.

– Avoid ULIPs and LIC policies due to high costs.

These often deliver lower returns.

– Actively managed debt mutual funds are better.

Provides better returns than FDs.

Liquidity and safety balanced well.

» Why avoid index funds and direct mutual funds?
– Index funds lack professional decision making.

They blindly track index performance.

Do not adjust during market downtrends.

– Direct funds are not well monitored.

CFP credentialed regular mutual funds give better expert support.

Regular plans have better advisory and rebalancing support.

» Retirement planning
– Current monthly expenses: Rs 1.1 lakh.
– Post-retirement, you may need similar or more due to inflation.
– Business income may reduce.
– FD interest + rental + pension may not suffice.
– Aim for Rs 2–3 lakh per month post-retirement.

– Focus on building a corpus of Rs 5–7 crore.

Fixed income from commercial property and FDs may cover future expenses.

» Emergency fund
– Maintain at least Rs 15–20 lakh as liquid emergency corpus.

In bank FDs or liquid mutual funds.

To avoid disrupting investments during urgent needs.

» Health and term insurance
– Increase family floater health cover to Rs 50 lakh as planned.
– Term life insurance is crucial, especially as your children depend on you.

At least Rs 1–2 crore cover is recommended.

Provides safety against unexpected risks.

» Cash flow management
– Current income: FD interest + rent + business = Rs 1.4–1.8 lakh.
– Monthly expenses: Rs 1.1 lakh.
– Savings capacity: Around Rs 50,000 per month.
– Use savings for top-up investments in safe bonds or debt funds.

Enhances corpus without adding risk.

» Systematic plan for next 10 years
– Year 1–3:

Sell 80 lakh plot.

Use funds for sons’ education and emergency buffer.

– Year 3–5:

Focus on growing PPF and SGB investments.

Consider actively managed debt mutual funds.

– Year 5–7:

Monitor the 4 crore plot value.

Sell when it reaches 5–6 crore.

– Year 7–10:

Purchase commercial property if rent and agreement terms are good.

Alternatively, place in high-interest debt instruments.

– Start planning to reduce dependency on business income.

Reinvest business profits into low-risk instruments.

» Final Insights
– You are on the right track by saving systematically.
– Selling the 80 lakh plot is wise for education needs.
– Avoid over-relying on FD only.
– Add safe debt mutual funds for better returns.
– Commercial property is a good plan for long-term passive income.
– Term insurance and higher health cover are essential.
– Rebalance your portfolio yearly.
– Plan to have Rs 5–7 crore corpus at retirement.

Your future looks promising with correct discipline and small corrections.
Stay consistent in your saving and investments.
Do not delay starting the term insurance.
Review investments every 6 months.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
Asked on - Sep 12, 2025 | Answered on Sep 12, 2025
Thank u so much for your guidence
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
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
Asked on - Sep 13, 2025 | Answered on Sep 13, 2025
Sir can u recommend a good debt mutual fund.
Ans: For specific scheme recommendation in debt mutual funds, it is better to contact a Certified Financial Planner or Mutual Fund Distributor. You can also reach me directly through the website link in my signature for a customised suggestion.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 11, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Hello Sir, I lost my job in layoff . I am 46 year old . I had a home loan of 1.18 cr with EMI of 1.07L per month . I have 2 kids, Daughter is in 12th and Son is in 9th . I am selling my other 2 flats so that i can repay the loan and left money i will put in FD. I have to plan my children education 60 L and Retirement planning ( Next Month onwards i require 1 L ). After paying home loan I left with 70 L which i will put in FD . I have 70 L in EPF, 30 L in PPF maturity in 2026, 19 L FD, 3.3 L NSC ( Maturity at 2032/ 6.6L), 14 L Mutual Fund. My wife earns 50 K per month . Monthy expenses are 75K . My goals of havinng 1 L from next month and kids education can be achieved with these investment .
Ans: I'm sorry to hear about your job loss, but it's commendable that you're taking proactive steps to manage your finances during this challenging time. Let's create a plan to address your immediate needs and long-term goals:

• Home Loan Repayment: Selling your other two flats to repay the home loan is a prudent decision, as it will relieve you of the burden of the EMI and reduce financial stress.

• Emergency Fund: It's essential to maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses and loss of income. Since you'll have 70 lakhs from the sale of your flats, consider keeping a portion of this amount aside as your emergency fund, ideally in a liquid and accessible form like a savings account or short-term FD.

• Children's Education: With 60 lakhs earmarked for your children's education, you can explore investment options that offer growth potential over the medium to long term. Consider a combination of equity mutual funds, balanced funds, and fixed-income instruments to achieve your education goals. Since your daughter is in 12th grade, you may need to prioritize her education expenses in the near term.

• Retirement Planning: Your goal of having 1 lakh per month from next month onwards for retirement can be achieved by structuring your existing investments wisely. With 70 lakhs in EPF, 30 lakhs in PPF (maturing in 2026), and other fixed deposits and mutual funds, you have a solid foundation. You can explore options like Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS), Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS), and systematic withdrawal plans (SWPs) from mutual funds to generate a regular income stream in retirement.

• Income Replacement: Since you'll no longer have a regular income from employment, it's crucial to plan for income replacement. Your wife's income of 50,000 per month will provide some support, but you may need to supplement it with income generated from your investments.

• Expense Management: Given your monthly expenses of 75,000, it's essential to budget carefully and prioritize your spending. Look for areas where you can cut costs without compromising on essentials.

• Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner who can help you develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your specific circumstances and goals. They can provide valuable guidance on investment strategies, tax planning, and retirement planning.

In conclusion, while losing your job is undoubtedly challenging, with careful planning and prudent financial management, you can navigate this period of transition successfully. By leveraging your existing assets and making strategic investment decisions, you can work towards achieving your children's education goals and securing a comfortable retirement for yourself. Stay focused, stay positive, and remember that you're not alone in this journey.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 26, 2025Hindi
Money
Sir, good morning... my age is 44yrs and my wife age is 43yrs. We both work, our consolidated net per month income is 3.40lacs (includes rental income of 15k). Have a PL of 6lacs outstanding for 24 months with emi 26k. And home loan of 28lacs outstanding for 4yrs with emi 50k and a car loan 10lacs for 2 yrs with emi 40k. And have a savings like PF-35 lacs, NPS-3.5lacs, MF's-3lac, gold worht - 15lacs, term insurance for 1.5cr, insurance policy maturity in 7yrs with amount 25lacs. And fixed assets worth 2crs. And Sukanya Samrudhi Scheme of 8.5lacs. I have two children (girl -7th grade, 12 yrs and boy-4 yrs) I need to plan for retirwment fund of 2 crs in next 10yrs. Secure my both child education. Secure my girl child marriage which is estimated for 50lacs. And planning to built a house which is planned yo worth (3cr) in next 5 years, which includes a rental income of 60k additional to current 15k(mentioned above)
Ans: Your dedication and focus towards your family’s secure future is truly commendable. Let’s create a clear and actionable plan to help you meet your goals smoothly.

Current Financial Position
Age: You are 44 years old; your wife is 43 years.

Monthly Net Income: Rs. 3.40 lakhs (includes Rs. 15,000 in rental income).

Loans:

Personal Loan: Rs. 6 lakhs; EMI Rs. 26,000; 24 months left.

Home Loan: Rs. 28 lakhs; EMI Rs. 50,000; 4 years left.

Car Loan: Rs. 10 lakhs; EMI Rs. 40,000; 2 years left.

Assets & Investments:

Provident Fund: Rs. 35 lakhs.

NPS: Rs. 3.5 lakhs.

Mutual Funds: Rs. 3 lakhs.

Gold: Rs. 15 lakhs.

Term Insurance: Rs. 1.5 crores.

Insurance policy maturity in 7 years: Rs. 25 lakhs.

Fixed Assets: Rs. 2 crores.

Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme: Rs. 8.5 lakhs.

Family:

Daughter: 12 years old, in 7th grade.

Son: 4 years old.

Your Key Financial Goals
Retirement corpus of Rs. 2 crores in the next 10 years.

Secure both children’s education.

Daughter’s marriage: Rs. 50 lakhs.

Build a house worth Rs. 3 crores in 5 years for an additional rental income of Rs. 60,000.

Loan Management
Prioritize closing your personal and car loans first. These have higher interest rates than your home loan.

Your car loan has 2 years left and personal loan 2 years as well. If you get any surplus income, direct it towards these.

After these are cleared, you can focus on prepaying your home loan faster if needed.

Reducing your EMI burden will improve your monthly cash flow significantly.

Retirement Planning
You aim to build a retirement corpus of Rs. 2 crores in 10 years. This is a solid and achievable target if you stay disciplined.

You already have Rs. 35 lakhs in PF and Rs. 3.5 lakhs in NPS. These are good foundations.

Continue your regular contributions to PF and NPS.

Start systematic investments in mutual funds to supplement these. Invest every month without fail.

Equity mutual funds have the potential to give better returns over the long term than traditional fixed deposits.

Avoid index funds. They only track the index, and may not adapt to market changes. Actively managed mutual funds, with expert fund managers, can outperform and adjust to market conditions.

Choose funds managed by reputed fund managers with a consistent record.

Avoid direct mutual funds. Regular mutual funds offer expert advice, help you stay disciplined, and provide guidance. A Certified Financial Planner can help you select and monitor these funds for the best results.

Mutual funds can be selected based on your risk profile and financial goals.

Children’s Education & Marriage Planning
Education costs can be substantial. Start investing separately for both children’s education.

Use child-focused mutual funds or balanced funds to plan for this. They balance risk and returns well.

For your daughter’s marriage, you have around 10-15 years. You already have Rs. 8.5 lakhs in Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme. Keep investing in it regularly for safety and decent returns.

For the additional Rs. 50 lakhs needed for her marriage, you can create a separate mutual fund portfolio in your wife’s name. This will keep it separate from your retirement funds.

Monitor and review these funds every year to ensure you stay on track.

House Construction Plan
You plan to build a house worth Rs. 3 crores in 5 years.

Since this will also bring in Rs. 60,000 monthly rent, it can be a useful asset. But building a house of this size can impact your other financial goals.

Ensure you do not compromise your retirement or children’s education plans for this. It is important to balance these big goals.

Consider saving a good portion of your monthly surplus for the house construction.

Avoid taking large loans again for the house as you already have a home loan.

If required, stagger the house construction or phase it based on the funds available.

Insurance & Protection
You already have a term insurance cover of Rs. 1.5 crores. This is good. Make sure it is sufficient for your family’s needs if something happens to you.

Your wife should also have a term insurance plan. This will ensure both of you are covered.

Avoid investment-linked insurance plans like ULIPs or endowment plans. They mix insurance and investment but give poor returns.

Surrender any existing ULIP or endowment policies you have. Reinvest the surrender value in mutual funds. This will grow better and give you liquidity.

Managing the Insurance Policy Maturing in 7 Years
You have an insurance policy maturing in 7 years with Rs. 25 lakhs.

Once it matures, reinvest the proceeds in mutual funds for long-term growth.

Avoid buying new insurance-cum-investment products. Keep insurance and investment separate for better results.

Regular Monitoring & Review
Your financial situation and goals may change with time.

Review your investments every year. Check if your goals are on track.

Adjust your investment amount or fund choices as required.

A Certified Financial Planner can help you review and rebalance your portfolio when needed.

Tax Planning
Be aware of taxes when you sell your mutual fund investments.

For equity mutual funds, long-term capital gains above Rs. 1.25 lakhs are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains are taxed at 20%.

For debt mutual funds, both long-term and short-term gains are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Plan your redemptions smartly to minimise tax.

Use tax-saving investment options like ELSS funds or PPF to reduce tax liability.

Building a Financial Buffer
Keep an emergency fund of at least 6 months of expenses.

This will help you manage sudden expenses or income changes.

Your rental income of Rs. 15,000 is a good start. When you build the new house and get the extra Rs. 60,000 rent, direct some of it to your emergency fund.

Securing Your Family’s Future
For your wife, ensure her insurance coverage and investments are also properly managed.

Teach your children the basics of money management as they grow. This will help them in the future.

Finally
You are on the right track with your savings and planning. Clearing your high-interest loans first will free up more of your monthly income.

Focus on disciplined investments in mutual funds and keep insurance separate. A Certified Financial Planner can guide you at every step to help you stay on course.

Stay consistent, review regularly, and you will achieve your goals smoothly.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 11, 2025

Money
Dear financial guru. I am 46 now have a small buisness which I started with 2lac loan soon after my graduation , have 2 sons age 17 and 13 my wife is 40 year she is housewife. From the first day i started savings 1. Now have a corpus of 1cr in FD in bank with monthly intrest withdrawl of 60000 per month on 7% approx This is my retirement corpus 2. Have 1 flat of around 75 lac value which i have given on rent fetching me 20000 per month rent monthly. 3 . Have a investment in 2 plots with current value of around 4 cr and 80 lac 5 living in my ancestral home so I assume it with zero value of selling. 4. PPF ac having saving of around 25 lac matured I have extended it to another 5 years 5. Lic policy of around total 30 lac maturing in around 5 years. 6. Soviener gold bond of todays value for around 12 lac 6. Buisness income around 60000-90000 per month now as now my buissnesd is down due to recession. 7. No loans to repay . No monthly emi to pay. 8. I have taken family health insurance of 25 lac which I will increase to 50 lac in wen I am 50 years. So my current income is Fd intrest 60000 Rent 20000 Buisness income 60000-90000 Total 140000 -180000 Current monthly expenses including school fees 110000 Monthly saving after expense 50000 approx Now my aim 1. Need for my sons education , as my eldor son is 17years good in studies from next year I will be needing around1 lac to 1.50 lac monthly for 4 years as he will be doing btech from good collage maybe in india or abroad. 2 . Plans are approx same for younger son cuurently in 7th will be needing same amount after 4 years for further 5 years for his studies. So need 1-2 lac monthly from next year for around 8-10 years for studies of my both son. After that I will retire and need approx same amount for my entire life. Don’t like invest in share and mutual funds always want safe investment like fd. Pls guide me , I am thinking of selling one plot of 80 lac to manage funds for both sons education exp which I need for 8 -10 years. Second plot I plan to sell wen it’s value come to around 5-6 cr in another 3-4 years from now and will buy another commercial property which will fetching me rental of around 2.5 lac monthly if I rent it to a bank .or will put entire amount in fd with monthly pay out of around 7-8%. Pls guide me if am on right track because have limited knowledge . Thx
Ans: You have done very well. Starting with a small loan and building assets of crores is not easy. You have cared for your family, built savings, and kept your lifestyle under control. You have also kept insurance in place, which is very wise. Your focus now is children’s education and retirement. Both are achievable with a proper plan.

» Current Financial Snapshot
– Age: 46, wife 40, two sons aged 17 and 13.
– Assets: Rs. 1 crore in FD, one flat worth Rs. 75 lakh, two plots worth Rs. 4 crore and Rs. 80 lakh, Rs. 25 lakh in PPF, LIC of Rs. 30 lakh, Sovereign Gold Bonds Rs. 12 lakh.
– Income: Rs. 60,000 monthly from FD, Rs. 20,000 monthly rent, Rs. 60,000 to 90,000 business income.
– Expenses: Rs. 1.1 lakh monthly including school fees.
– Surplus: Around Rs. 50,000 monthly.
– Insurance: Family health cover Rs. 25 lakh (planned to increase to Rs. 50 lakh), LIC policies, no loans.

This shows a very strong and stable financial base.

» Children’s Education Goal
Your elder son needs Rs. 1 to 1.5 lakh monthly for 4 years from next year. Younger son will need the same after 4 years for 5 years. That means for around 9 years, you will need heavy cash flow for education. You want to sell the Rs. 80 lakh plot to manage this. This is a reasonable idea. Education is a priority. Funding it from a separate lump sum makes sense.

» Use of Rs. 80 Lakh Plot Sale
If you sell this plot, you can park the amount safely. Do not keep all in FD with monthly payout. Instead, stagger the money. Keep the first 2 to 3 years expenses in FD for liquidity. Keep the balance in safe debt options with gradual redemption. This way you earn better growth than normal FD. You will have predictable flow for both children’s studies. Selling this plot for education is a practical decision.

» Retirement Corpus Planning
Your retirement expenses will be around Rs. 1 to 1.5 lakh per month after children settle. You already have Rs. 1 crore in FD, Rs. 25 lakh in PPF, Rs. 12 lakh in gold, and rental income of Rs. 20,000. LIC maturity of Rs. 30 lakh will also add. In addition, you have a Rs. 4 crore plot. When you sell this in future, you expect Rs. 5 to 6 crore. This can give either large FD interest or rental from commercial property. That is the main driver for your retirement.

» FD and Interest Dependency
You like FD as your safe choice. FD gives fixed return and regular income. But it has two issues. First, interest is fully taxable. Second, it may not beat inflation over 20 to 30 years. You may feel comfortable today, but value of money reduces over time. With Rs. 1.5 lakh monthly need, you must ensure FD corpus is very large to support rising costs. Keep this in mind.

» Role of Gold and PPF
Gold is a hedge. You already have Rs. 12 lakh in Sovereign Gold Bonds. That is fine. Do not increase more. PPF of Rs. 25 lakh is safe and tax free. It adds to your retirement pool. Continue extension till 15 years if possible. It is a stable support.

» LIC Policies
Your LIC maturity of Rs. 30 lakh is not very large compared to your total wealth. LIC policies give safety but lower growth. After maturity, do not reinvest again in LIC. Shift the maturity proceeds to better instruments like FD or safe debt for income flow.

» Business Income Consideration
Your business is giving Rs. 60,000 to 90,000 monthly now. But you already sense pressure from recession. Do not depend on this as permanent. You must plan retirement income without including business income. If business gives profit, it will be extra cushion.

» Real Estate Considerations
You plan to sell the Rs. 4 crore plot later when it touches Rs. 5 to 6 crore. You also plan to buy a commercial property for rental of Rs. 2.5 lakh monthly. You must be cautious here. Real estate deals involve risks like tenant issues, delay in renting, maintenance, and liquidity. FD with 6 to 7% interest is safe but taxable. Rental income is also taxable and not always guaranteed. You should not depend only on this. Diversify your wealth so that you have multiple income sources, not just rent or FD.

» Health Insurance
You have Rs. 25 lakh cover, planning to increase to Rs. 50 lakh at 50 years. That is very important. Healthcare costs rise very fast. This step will protect your retirement corpus.

» Estate Planning
You live in ancestral home. You must write a Will clearly mentioning asset distribution. Mention how property and money should be divided between wife and sons. Do nomination in bank FDs, PPF, LIC, and bonds. This avoids future legal issues.

» Safe vs Growth Balance
You dislike equity and mutual funds. You want safety. But understand one point. FD interest may look enough today, but after 15 to 20 years, inflation will eat into your money. Rs. 1 lakh today may need Rs. 2 to 3 lakh then. FD will not grow to match this. Equity can beat inflation, but you are not comfortable. In such case, at least keep small exposure to growth-oriented safe funds managed by professionals. Otherwise, your wealth may look big but will reduce in value later.

» How to Manage Education and Retirement Together
– Sell Rs. 80 lakh plot. Park money in FD and safe debt for children’s fees.
– Keep Rs. 1 crore FD as retirement corpus. Do not touch it for education.
– LIC maturity of Rs. 30 lakh after 5 years can add to retirement fund.
– Continue PPF extension and treat it as retirement income booster.
– Sovereign Gold Bonds of Rs. 12 lakh can be kept till maturity for safety and small income.
– When sons complete studies, you will still have Rs. 4 crore plot to sell. That will be the main funding for higher retirement lifestyle.

» Risks to Watch
– Depending only on FD and real estate can reduce long-term growth.
– Tax on FD interest will reduce real income.
– Rental income may not always be steady.
– Inflation risk is real. Expenses may double in 10 to 12 years.
– Health costs may eat corpus if insurance is not high enough.

» Better Balance Suggestions
– Do not put all proceeds from Rs. 4 crore plot into commercial property. Diversify. Keep some in FD for sure. But also look at professional management funds through CFP. Active funds give better inflation protection. Avoid index funds as they only copy markets without risk control. Avoid direct funds as they need constant monitoring. Regular funds through CFP give discipline and review.
– Keep your emergency fund separate, at least Rs. 10 to 15 lakh in liquid form.
– Increase health cover to Rs. 50 lakh soon, not later.

» Finally
You have done great work till now. Your savings habit and asset creation are solid. Your plan to sell Rs. 80 lakh plot for children’s education is correct. For retirement, do not depend only on FD and rental. They are safe, but inflation and tax will hit. Use diversification for part of wealth. Keep core in FD if you like safety, but let a share grow in actively managed funds with CFP guidance. Write a Will and update nominations. Keep health cover high. With this balanced approach, you can educate both sons fully, retire peacefully, and live with dignity without fear of running out of money.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |417 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Oct 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 26, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear financial guru. I am 46 now have a small buisness which I started with 2lac loan soon after my graduation , have 2 sons age 17 and 13 my wife is 40 year she is housewife. From the first day i started savings 1. Now have a corpus of 1cr in FD in bank with monthly intrest withdrawl of 60000 per month on 7% approx This is my retirement corpus 2. Have 1 flat of around 75 lac value which i have given on rent fetching me 20000 per month rent monthly. 3 . Have a investment in 2 plots with current value of around 4 cr and 80 lac 5 living in my ancestral home so I assume it with zero value of selling. 4. PPF ac having saving of around 25 lac matured I have extended it to another 5 years 5. Lic policy of around total 30 lac maturing in around 5 years. 6. Soviener gold bond of todays value for around 12 lac 6. Buisness income around 60000-90000 per month now as now my buissnesd is down due to recession. 7. No loans to repay . No monthly emi to pay. 8. I have taken family health insurance of 25 lac which I will increase to 50 lac in wen I am 50 years. So my current income is Fd intrest 60000 Rent 20000 Buisness income 60000-90000 Total 140000 -180000 Current monthly expenses including school fees 110000 Monthly saving after expense 50000 approx Now my aim 1. Need for my sons education , as my eldor son is 17years good in studies from next year I will be needing around1 lac to 1.50 lac monthly for 4 years as he will be doing btech from good collage maybe in india or abroad. 2 . Plans are approx same for younger son cuurently in 7th will be needing same amount after 4 years for further 5 years for his studies. So need 1-2 lac monthly from next year for around 8-10 years for studies of my both son. After that I will retire and need approx same amount for my entire life. Don’t like invest in share and mutual funds always want safe investment like fd. Pls guide me , I am thinking of selling one plot of 80 lac to manage funds for both sons education exp which I need for 8 -10 years. Second plot I plan to sell wen it’s value come to around 5-6 cr in another 3-4 years from now and will buy another commercial property which will fetching me rental of around 2.5 lac monthly if I rent it to a bank .or will put entire amount in fd with monthly pay out of around 7-8%. Pls guide me if am on right track because have limited knowledge .
Ans: Hi,

You have done so good by building huge assets with your business that you started. It is a genuine worry around kid's education as its cost is rising a lot.
Taking your queries one by one.

1. Your foremost worry of not investing in stocks and mutual funds is very genuine. These come out to be risky. But for people who do not want to take any risk, there are funds as good as FD such as Balanced Funds or Hybrid Funds. As even a FD has risk - if a bank fails, your entire money would be gone in a blink of an eye and you will get only 5 lakhs by government.
So investing in mutual funds is a better option as these funds invest in a pool of stocks. Even if 1 stock fail, your 99% of the money is safe. So you can consider investing in these. Can consult an advisor for the same or reach out to me.

2. Selling one plot for kid's education - good decision. It will cover all cost for both kids and remaining amount (if any) will be for your future.

3. You can shift 70% of FD amount in hybrid mutual funds & start SWP. It comes with comparative tax benefits and better return.

4. PPF is good for you to hold for another 5 years. Continue it.

5. Choosing hybrid funds over FD will gurantee more return and security than any bank's FD.

Rest all is good. You can connect with a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

..Read more

Latest Questions
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1746 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10852 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 07, 2025

Career
Hello, I’m a student who recently joined the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita University. I’m aiming for a strong academic foundation and a clear career path. Could you please guide me on the following: How good is this course for research careers or higher studies (IISc, IITs, abroad)? What are the placement prospects after Integrated M.Sc Physics at Amrita? Does the program help in preparing for alternate options like UPSC, CDS/AFCAT, or technical roles? What skills (coding, research projects, certifications) should I start early to make the most of this degree?
Ans: Sree, Program Overview and Academic Foundation: Congratulations on joining the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita University. This five-year integrated program represents a rigorous pathway designed to equip you with advanced theoretical and experimental physics knowledge combined with cutting-edge scientific computing skills. The curriculum uniquely integrates a minor in Scientific Computing, which adds substantial computational capability to your profile—a critical advantage in today's research and professional landscape. The program incorporates comprehensive coursework spanning classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, advanced laboratory work, and specialized topics in materials physics, optoelectronics, and computational methods, positioning you excellently for both research and professional careers.
Research Career Prospects: IISc, IITs, and Beyond: For research-oriented careers, the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita provides an exceptional foundation. Amrita's curriculum specifically aligns with GATE and UGC-NET examination syllabi, and the institution emphasizes early research engagement. The faculty at Amrita actively publish research in Scopus-indexed journals, with over 60 publications in international venues within the past five years, exposing you to active research environments.
To pursue research at premier institutions like IISc, you would typically follow the PhD pathway. IISc accepts M.Sc graduates through their Integrated PhD programs, and with your Amrita M.Sc, you're eligible to apply. You'll need to qualify the relevant entrance examinations, and your integrated program's emphasis on research fundamentals provides strong preparation. The final year of your Integrated M.Sc is intentionally structured to be nearly free of classroom commitments, enabling engagement with research projects at institutes like IISc, IITs, and National Labs. According to Amrita's data, over 80% of M.Sc Physics students secured internship offers from reputed institutions during academic year 2019-20, directly facilitating research career transitions.
Placement and Direct Employment Opportunities: Amrita University boasts a comprehensive placement ecosystem with strong corporate and government sector connections. According to NIRF placement data for the Amrita Integrated M.Sc program (5-year), the median salary in 2023-24 stood at ?7.2 LPA with approximately 57% placement rate. However, these figures reflect general placement trends; physics graduates often secure higher packages in specialized technical roles. Many graduates join software companies like Infosys (with early offers), Google, and PayPal, where their strong analytical and computational skills command competitive compensation packages ranging from ?8-15 LPA for entry-level positions.
The Department of Corporate and Industrial Relations at Amrita provides intensive three-semester life skills training covering linguistic competence, data interpretation, group discussions, and interview techniques. This structured placement support significantly enhances your employability in both government and private sectors.
Government Sector Opportunities: UPSC, BARC, DRDO, and ISRO: Your M.Sc Physics degree opens multiple avenues for prestigious government employment. UPSC Geophysicist examinations explicitly list M.Sc Physics or Applied Physics as qualifying degrees, enabling you to compete for Group A positions in the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board. The age limit for geophysicist positions is 32 years (with relaxation for reserved categories), and the exam comprises preliminary, main, and interview stages.
BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) actively recruits M.Sc Physics graduates as Scientific Officers and Research Fellows. Recruitment occurs through the BARC Online Test or GATE scores, with positions in nuclear science, radiation protection, and atomic research. BARC Summer Internship programs are available, offering ?5,000-?10,000 monthly stipends with opportunity for future scientist recruitment.
DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization) recruits M.Sc Physics graduates through CEPTAM examinations or GATE scores for roles involving defense technology, weapon systems, and laser physics research. ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) regularly advertises scientist/engineer positions through competitive recruitment for candidates with strong physics backgrounds, offering opportunities in satellite technology and space science applications.
Other significant employers include the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recruiting as scientific officers, and NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited), offering stable government service with competitive compensation packages exceeding ?8-12 LPA for scientists.
Alternate Career Pathways: UPSC, CDS, and AFCAT: UPSC Civil Services (IFS - Indian Forest Service): M.Sc Physics graduates qualify for UPSC Civil Services examinations, with the forest service offering opportunities for science-based administrative roles with potential to reach senior government positions.
CDS/AFCAT (Armed Forces): While AFCAT meteorology branches specifically require "B.Sc with Maths & Physics with 60% minimum marks," the technical branches (Aeronautical Engineering and Ground Duty Technical roles) require graduation/integrated postgraduation in Engineering/Technology. An M.Sc Physics integrates well with technical qualifications, though you would need engineering background for direct officer entry. However, you remain eligible for specialized technical interviews if applying through alternate defence channels.
UGC-NET Examination: This pathway leads to Assistant Professor positions in central universities and colleges across India. NET-qualified candidates receive scholarships of ?31,000/month for 2-year JRF positions with PhD pursuit, transitioning to Assistant Professor salaries of ?41,000/month in government institutions. This route provides long-term academic career security with research opportunities.
Private Sector Technical Roles
M.Sc Physics graduates are increasingly valued in data science, software engineering, and technical consulting. Companies actively recruit physics graduates for software development, where strong problem-solving and logical reasoning translate to competitive packages of ?10-20 LPA. Specialized domains including quantum computing development, financial modeling, and scientific computing offer premium compensation. Your minor in Scientific Computing makes you particularly attractive to technology companies requiring computational expertise.
International Opportunities and Higher Studies Abroad
An M.Sc from Amrita facilitates admission to PhD programs at international institutions. German universities offer tuition-free or low-fee MSc Physics programs (2 years) with scholarships like DAAD providing €850+ monthly stipends. US universities accept M.Sc graduates directly for PhD positions with full funding (tuition coverage + stipend). These pathways require GRE scores and strong Statement of Purpose articulating research interests. Research collaboration opportunities exist with Max Planck Institute (Germany) and CalTech Summer Research Program (USA), both welcoming Indian M.Sc students.
Essential Skills and Certifications to Develop Immediately: Programming Languages: Start learning Python immediately—it's universally used in research and industry. Dedicate 2-3 hours weekly to data analysis, scientific computing libraries (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas), and machine learning fundamentals. MATLAB is equally critical for physics applications, particularly numerical simulations and data visualization. Aim to complete MATLAB certification courses within your first year.
Research Tools: Learn Git/version control, LaTeX for scientific documentation, and data analysis frameworks. These skills are indispensable for publishing research papers and collaborating on projects.
Certifications Worth Pursuing: (1) MATLAB Certification (DIYguru or MathWorks official courses) (2) Python for Data Science (complete certificate programs from platforms like Coursera) (3) Machine Learning Fundamentals (for expanding technical versatility) & (4) Scientific Communication and Technical Writing (develop through departmental workshops)
Strategic Internship Planning: Leverage Amrita's research connections systematically. In your third year, apply to BARC Summer Internship, IISER Internships, TIFR Summer Fellowships, and IIT Internship programs (like IIT Kanpur SURGE). These expose you to frontier research while establishing connections for future PhD or scientist recruitment. Target 2-3 research internships across different specializations to develop versatility.

TO SUM UP, Your Integrated M.Sc Physics degree from Amrita positions you exceptionally well for competitive research careers at IISc/IITs, prestigious government scientist roles at BARC/DRDO/ISRO, and international PhD opportunities. The program's scientific computing emphasis differentiates you in the job market. Immediate priorities: (1) Master Python and MATLAB within the first two years; (2) Engage in research projects starting year 2-3; (3) Target internships at premiere research institutions; (4) Prepare GATE while completing your degree for maximum flexibility in recruitment; (5) Consider UGC-NET for long-term academic stability. Your career trajectory will ultimately depend on developing strong research fundamentals, demonstrating consistent excellence in specialization areas, and strategically selecting internship and research opportunities. The rigorous Amrita program combined with disciplined skill development positions you for exceptional career success across multiple sectors. Choose the most suitable option for you out of the various options available mentioned above. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.
Asked on - Dec 07, 2025 | Answered on Dec 07, 2025
Thankyou
Ans: Welcome Sree.

...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