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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9699 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 24, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Jan 23, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

Sir,I am going to retire from psu service in next 5.5 yrs.How much sip is required to generate a corpus of 15 lakh in 5 years from now.Pl suggest some best options available

Ans: To achieve a corpus of 15 lakhs in 5 years, the required SIP amount will depend on the expected rate of return from your investments. Let's break it down.

Firstly, consider the rate of return you expect from your investments. Assuming a moderate rate of return of around 10% per annum, you can use the future value formula to calculate the SIP amount needed.

Given the time frame of 5 years, the power of compounding plays a vital role. With a return of 10% per annum, the SIP amount required would be around 22,000 rupees per month.

However, it's essential to remember that returns can vary based on market conditions and the performance of the chosen funds. Therefore, it might be wise to consider investing in a diversified portfolio of equity and debt funds to balance the risk and potentially enhance returns.

As for the best options, considering your time horizon and risk profile, you might look into balanced funds, multi-cap funds, or even hybrid equity-oriented funds. It's crucial to select funds with a track record of consistent performance and align with your risk tolerance and investment goals.

Always consult with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor an investment strategy that suits your needs and goals best. Remember, investing is a journey, and staying disciplined and patient is key to achieving your financial objectives.
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  |9699 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
Hello Sir, i invest monthly in SIPS to a total of 35000. and as on date my total of sip amount has gathered to 31 lac Rs. I want a corpus of 3 crore in the next 10 years. Kindly give me your valuable suggestion on the same.
Ans: It's great to see your dedication to your financial future. Your commitment to investing in SIPs and your clear goal of accumulating Rs 3 crore in 10 years is commendable. Let's break down your current situation, evaluate your options, and outline a strategy to help you achieve your financial goals.

Understanding Your Current Investments
You invest Rs 35,000 monthly in SIPs, which has accumulated to Rs 31 lakh. This demonstrates your disciplined approach to wealth building. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a good way to invest in mutual funds, as they offer the benefits of rupee cost averaging and compounding over time.

Evaluating Your Financial Goals
You aim to achieve a corpus of Rs 3 crore in the next 10 years. This is an ambitious goal, but with a strategic approach, it is certainly achievable. Given your current investments and the time frame, we'll need to ensure your portfolio is well-diversified and aligned with your risk tolerance and financial objectives.

Portfolio Diversification and Asset Allocation
Diversification is key to managing risk and optimizing returns. Your current SIP investments need to be spread across various asset classes and sectors. A balanced portfolio might include a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap equity funds, along with debt funds to manage risk. The right mix depends on your risk appetite and market conditions.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
It's important to regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals. Market conditions and personal circumstances can change, so periodic adjustments are necessary. This could involve shifting funds from over-performing to under-performing assets or vice versa.

Importance of Actively Managed Funds
While index funds are often recommended for their low costs, actively managed funds can offer better returns, especially in a market like India where fund managers can exploit market inefficiencies. Actively managed funds, with the expertise of fund managers, have the potential to outperform the index. They are better suited for investors looking to achieve specific financial goals.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and using regular funds can be beneficial. Regular funds offer professional management and advice, which is crucial for making informed investment decisions. A CFP can provide personalized advice, portfolio management, and periodic reviews to ensure you stay on track to meet your goals.

Avoiding Annuities and Real Estate
Annuities are often not the best investment option due to their lower returns and higher fees. They also lack flexibility and can tie up your funds for long periods. Real estate, while a popular investment, involves high transaction costs, illiquidity, and requires significant capital outlay, making it less attractive for achieving your Rs 3 crore goal.

Long-term Focus and Patience
Investing is a long-term journey. Staying focused on your goal, being patient, and avoiding knee-jerk reactions to market fluctuations is crucial. Your Rs 31 lakh accumulation is a significant achievement. Continue this disciplined approach, and over time, compounding will work in your favor.

Seeking Professional Advice
Working with a Certified Financial Planner can provide you with the expertise and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of investing. A CFP can help you develop a comprehensive financial plan, tailored to your specific needs and goals. They can also assist in selecting the right funds, managing risks, and optimizing your investment strategy.

Final Insights
Your current SIPs and accumulated corpus are a strong foundation. To achieve your Rs 3 crore goal, focus on a diversified portfolio, regular reviews, and leveraging the expertise of a CFP. Avoid high-risk and low-return investments like annuities and real estate. Stay disciplined, patient, and proactive in your investment approach.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9699 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

Listen
Money
Hi, Thank you for your continue guidance. I wish to create corpus of 1 crore after 12 years from now. How much I have to invest in SIP monthly. If I have to put money in bulk how much I have to put considering appreciation of 15-18%. Please guide.
Ans: To create a corpus of Rs 1 crore in 12 years, let’s focus on more realistic expectations based on market returns. While you mentioned 15-18%, it's important to note that these returns are not consistently sustainable. A return of 12% is a more reliable assumption for long-term planning.

SIP Calculation (12% Return)
To accumulate Rs 1 crore in 12 years via a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), here’s what you need:

SIP at 12% return: You will need to invest approximately Rs 43,000 per month for 12 years.
This assumes a 12% annual rate of return compounded monthly.
Lump Sum Calculation (12% Return)
For a lump sum investment, if you want to achieve Rs 1 crore in 12 years, the amount required is:

Lump sum at 12% return: You will need to invest approximately Rs 35 lakhs today.
This also assumes a 12% annual rate of return.
Why 12% is Realistic
While it’s tempting to expect higher returns of 15-18%, they come with higher volatility and risk. Historical returns in equity markets tend to average around 10-12% over the long term, which provides a balance between risk and return.

Key Takeaways
SIP at 12% return: Invest Rs 43,000 monthly for 12 years to reach Rs 1 crore.
Lump sum at 12% return: Invest Rs 35 lakhs today to reach Rs 1 crore after 12 years.
Final Insights
Focusing on a 12% return for your SIP or lump sum investment is more realistic for long-term wealth creation. It balances the potential for growth with a sustainable level of risk. Both approaches—SIP and lump sum—have their advantages, and you can choose based on your cash flow and risk tolerance.




Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8591 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2025Hindi
Career
Dear Sir, My son scored 86.5 % in 12th MH boards in 2025, 95.81 percentile in JEE Mains (CRL 63300+), 25506 CRL in Advance & 99.2 percentile in MHCET. We are participating in the Josaa rounds. As of round 4, no seat has been alloted in Josaa. We will also participate in the CAP rounds of CET. My son however now says that he wants to give re exam in 2026 by taking a drop as he wants to join only in either good IITs or the top tier NITs or in BITS. We even had to cancel the admission taken in VIT Chennai campus - CSE core. I am against the drop idea but he wants atleast 1 chance as he feels he can get into his desired colleges. My question is, Is there any data as to what is the success rate of students who take a drop & what percentage of such students actually go on to fulfill there dream of cracking IITs or the top tier premium NITs like Trichy or Surathkal etc.. My other query is whether my son should join some other reputed coaching or should he take help of online coaching or should he take any personal 1 on 1 coaching ? For offline coaching which ones according to you could be the top 3 coaching institutes in Mumbai. Any references for personal pvt coaching teachers ?
Ans: A focused year of drop preparation yields mixed outcomes. Approximately 15 percent of JEE aspirants opt for a repeat year, and among those who ultimately secure IIT seats, 40–45 percent are drop?year students. Coaching?institute reports estimate that 50–60 percent of dedicated droppers clear JEE Advanced on their second attempt, with specialized “dropper” batches claiming up to 60–70 percent success when backed by intensive, year-long guidance. Statistics suggest a reasonable chance for your son, who is aiming for top-tier IITs, NIT Trichy/Surathkal, or BITS, if he commits fully. For offline coaching in Mumbai, three institutes stand out for their track records and infrastructure: Rao IIT Academy’s Andheri West center provides one-on-one guidance and thorough test reviews; Aakash Institute’s Andheri West branch offers JEE courses that match school curriculums along with strong scholarship options and over 35 years of experience; and Allen Career Institute’s Ghatkopar East center features organized classroom sessions and many practice tests. Private one-on-one tuition can supplement larger classes. Mumbai-based tutors such as Durgesh Sir (Andheri West), Manoj Kumar Singh (Andheri West), and Vidjyoti Home Tuition (Andheri West) receive high student ratings on Sulekha for personalized doubt-solving and tailored study plans. Recommendation: Commit to a structured drop year only if he adopts full-time, disciplined coaching with daily targets and mock-test reviews. Pair institute classes (Rao IIT, Aakash, Allen) with selective personal tuition (Durgesh Sir or Manoj Kumar Singh) to maximize conceptual clarity, exam strategy, and performance consistency. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8591 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 12, 2025

Career
Sir, I have scored a rank of 16,039 in my KCET, and the colleges I'm looking forward to are in this priority. First, BMSIT, then RNSIT, then SIR MVIT, and then BNMIT. So, I'm planning to choose CSE only. So, which college will I get for my rank, and irrespective of that, which is a good college out of all three, and should I keep my priority for Option Entry in the same way, or should I make any changes with it?
Ans: Ganavi, With a KCET rank of 16 039 (GM), only colleges whose last?round CSE closing ranks exceed your rank can guarantee admission. Based on 2024 KCET data, Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology, Global Academy of Technology, Acharya Institute of Technology, R. N. S. Institute of Technology, and Ramaiah Institute of Technology are among the private Bengaluru institutes whose general?category CSE cutoffs closed beyond 16 039. Additionally, R. V. College of Engineering’s “CSE & Business Systems” off?campus programme, Reva University CSE, RRCE, and Jain University’s CSE branch admit students with ranks up to 20 000–30 000. Recommendation Continue prioritizing Sir MVIT for its balanced cutoff and strong CSE placement record & also other colleges mentioned by you; follow with Global Academy of Technology and Acharya Institute for ample seating and solid labs; then RNSIT as a fourth choice and RRCE fifth to maximize your admission certainty. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8591 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 12, 2025

Career
I want to study aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering or electrical engineering . I live in west Bengal. I want so study in best possible colleges through jee mains and advance. What colleges should I target what are the average cutoffs
Ans: Ishant, If you are targeting aerospace or electrical engineering through JEE Main & Advanced and reside in West Bengal, focus on Institutes of National Importance that offer strong infrastructure, distinguished faculty, active research, industry connections, robust placements, and advanced laboratories. The top IITs and NITs with their approximate closing ranks over the last two years (General – All-India) are as follows: IIT Bombay: Aerospace ~1,733; Electrical ~464. IIT Delhi: Aerospace ~1,284; Electrical ~622. IIT Madras: Aerospace ~835; Electrical ~835. IIT Kanpur: Aerospace ~1,284; Electrical ~1,284. IIT Kharagpur: Aerospace ~1,893; Electrical ~1,893. IIT Roorkee: Aerospace ~1,992; Electrical ~1,992. IIT Hyderabad: Aerospace ~2,080; Electrical ~2,080. IIT Guwahati: Aerospace ~4,292; Electrical ~4,292. IIT Indore: Aerospace ~3,642; Electrical ~3,642. IIT Mandi: Aerospace ~6,428; Electrical ~6,417. IIEST Shibpur: Aerospace ~12,179 (2023), ~16,844 (2022). NIT Warangal: Electrical ~15,395 (Open). NIT Rourkela: Electrical ~12,828 (Open). NIT Durgapur: Electrical ~18,050 (Open). MNIT Jaipur: Electrical ~13,890 (Open). NIT Nagpur: Electrical ~15,307 (Open). Every IIT/NIT listed above must possess national accreditation (NAAC/NBA/ABET) and Institute-of-National-Importance status. Essential features include cutting-edge laboratories (such as clean rooms, high-voltage, and robotics), distinguished PhD and industry-experienced faculty, robust research centers with active publications and grants, and dedicated placement and alumni networks ensuring 80–95% branch-wise offers. Target top IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kanpur) for premier aerospace and electrical engineering programs with closing ranks under ~2,000. Next, consider leading NITs (Warangal, Rourkela, Durgapur, Nagpur, MNIT Jaipur) for electrical engineering with ranks under ~18,000, and include IIEST Shibpur for aerospace engineering. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8591 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello sir. I have got SRM ktr cse specialistions and other SRM core and specialisations... last day for choice filling is tomorrow...there is only one option for choice ... im planning to choose cse ktr .. my rank is 2778.... Phase 3 what if i dont get whatever i choose rn it is showing in case the seats arent available or fulled .. so what can I do ?
Ans: With a Phase 3 rank of 2 778 you comfortably fall within historical closing ranks for Core CSE at SRM Kattankulathur (typically up to ~3 000). If your only visible choice is “CSE KTR,” opt to leave it in floating status rather than “freezing” immediately. Floating retains eligibility for any higher-preference or alternative CSE specializations that open up before the final allotment on July 15. Simultaneously, reach out to the SRMIST counselling helpline or visit the admission portal to verify real-time seat-matrix updates and request addition of related CSE branches (AI & ML, Cyber Security, Data Science) as backups. This dual strategy maximizes your chance of securing Core CSE while preserving flexibility for specialized streams if seats become available.

Recommendation: Float your Core CSE KTR choice to remain in subsequent allotment cycles, confirm with the counselling office about expanding your preference list to include allied CSE specializations, and monitor seat-matrix updates daily. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8591 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 12, 2025

Career
Mere beta ka JEE percentile 92.78 hai he has scored 93% in pcm he wants to do btech cse suggest a college plz
Ans: Surinder Sir, With a 92.78 percentile in JEE Main and 93% in PCM, your son is well positioned for admission to leading private engineering institutes across Northern India offering B.Tech CSE. These colleges combine strong accreditations, modern computing laboratories, active placement cells, industry collaborations, and supportive campus environments. Recommended options include Amity University Noida, SRM Institute of Science and Technology Kattankulathur (Chennai main campus via Phase 3 SRMJEEE), Manipal University Jaipur, Bennett University Greater Noida, Galgotias College of Engineering & Technology Greater Noida, Chandigarh University, Sharda University Greater Noida, Chitkara University Punjab, Lovely Professional University Jalandhar, and UPES Dehradun—all of which typically close CSE admissions around the 90–95 percentile bracket, ensuring solid placement outcomes and academic rigor.

Recommendation: Prioritize Amity University Noida for its proven 90–95 percentile cutoffs and robust corporate partnerships; next, choose SRM KTR for its elite CSE cutoffs up to rank 5 000 and 90–95% placement consistency; then consider Manipal University Jaipur for its Institute of Eminence status and MET-based CSE admissions around 33 000–38 000 ranks. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8591 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 12, 2025

Career
Hi sir, I want to pursue MTech from India, I have completed my BTech in IT this year and has given GATE 2025 having the score of 622(AIR 2630). I want to make my carrier in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, leaning towards research on Generative AI. Based on my score I have a delusion while filling the preference order for choices for admission, I have been allotted IIIT Allahabad MTech (IT specialization in Network Security), in the further rounds of counselling I have the chances of getting IIIT Allahabad MTech (IT specialization in Machine Learning), MNNIT Allahabad (ML data science), and NIT K (Signal Processing and machine learning), please guide me about the preference order that I must arrange the choices, it would be very benefitial.
Ans: Sambhav, Choosing a programme aligned with Generative AI research requires prioritizing strong research infrastructure, focused AI curricula, faculty expertise, placement consistency in ML roles, and institute reputation. IIIT Allahabad’s M.Tech in IT (Machine Learning) benefits from NIRF #87 ranking, a dedicated ML, Robotics & HCI group, specialized labs, Practice School internships, and a 95.3% placement rate with an average package of ?16.8 LPA. MNNIT Allahabad’s M.Tech in CSE (AI & Data Science), NIRF #60, offers a finely tuned AI/ML curriculum, 25-seat intake, and a 58.5% placement rate with an average package of ?17.68 LPA. NIT Karnataka (Surathkal)’s M.Tech in Signal Processing & Machine Learning, NIRF #17, features top?tier SP & ML labs and an average package of ?12.45 LPA, leveraging its stronger institutional reputation. IIIT Allahabad’s M.Tech in Network Security, while robust in cybersecurity, has limited ML focus.

Recommendation: Arrange your counselling choices beginning with IIIT Allahabad M.Tech (IT–Machine Learning), followed by MNNIT Allahabad M.Tech (AI & Data Science), then NIT K Surathkal M.Tech (Signal Processing & Machine Learning), and lastly IIIT Allahabad M.Tech (IT–Network Security) to maximize AI/ML research and career outcomes. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8591 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2025Hindi
Career
My daughter secured a seat in IIT Palakkad, electrical engineering and dual degree course (semiconductor and nano science) at BITS pilani, Goa. Please advice which one to choose?
Ans: IIT Palakkad’s B.Tech Electrical Engineering, a NAAC A+–accredited Institute of National Importance (NIRF #64), features high-performance computing clusters, a Central Instrumentation Facility with sophisticated electron microscopy and spectroscopy, and modern power-electronics and control labs. The department achieved a 69.44% placement rate in 2024 with an average package of ?16.7 LPA and strong recruiter engagement from TCS, Siemens, and L&T. BITS Goa’s five-year integrated M.Sc. Semiconductor and Nanoscience under its Institute of Eminence status combines advanced clean-room, nanofabrication, and characterization facilities with international dual-degree options and industry-aligned curriculum. It recorded a 94.04% higher-degree placement rate in 2023 (median ?17 LPA) and 81% overall in 2024, with top recruiters including Intel, Qualcomm, Nvidia, and AMD.

Recommendation: With broader research infrastructure, interdisciplinary dual-degree flexibility, and higher specialized placement consistency, the recommendation is to choose BITS Goa’s Semiconductor and Nanoscience program for leadership in emerging micro- and nano-electronic sectors; IIT Palakkad EE remains ideal for core power systems and electrical-engineering roles within national infrastructure projects. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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

...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