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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 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
Rajaraman Question by Rajaraman on May 06, 2024Hindi
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Hallo sir I am a doctor,I am investigating 20 k in quant smallcap fund and 20 k in quant mid cap fund and 20 k in quant large and midcap funds for the past 2 yrs,can I continue in the same for another 10 to 15 ys,all 3 giving we very good returns sir,was it ok to invest in the same fund house,thank you in advance sir

Ans: As a doctor, you're already dedicated to caring for others' well-being, and it's great to see your proactive approach to your financial health too. Let's explore your investment strategy:

• Firstly, it's fantastic that you've been investing regularly for the past two years. Consistency is key when it comes to building wealth over the long term.

• Investing in small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap funds shows a well-diversified approach to equity investments, which can help manage risk effectively.

• Quantitative funds, known for their disciplined investment approach, seem to have performed well for you, providing good returns. It's essential to assess the fund's performance relative to its benchmark and peers over time.

• While continuing with the same fund house can simplify your investment management process, it's crucial to periodically review your funds' performance, fund manager track record, and changes in the market environment.

• As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend diversifying your investments across different fund houses to spread risk and capture opportunities across various investment styles and strategies.

• Additionally, consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon when making investment decisions. Your goals may evolve over time, so it's essential to periodically reassess and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.

• Lastly, seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner can provide you with personalized guidance and help you make informed decisions aligned with your financial goals.

In conclusion, while continuing with your current investment strategy may be suitable given the good performance of your funds, it's essential to periodically review and diversify your investments to ensure long-term financial success. Keep up the good work, and here's to your continued financial well-being!
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

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Hi sir ,please advise me iam having axis blue chip fund(G), ICICI Pru Value discovery fund(G),Mirae Asset Large cap (g),Motilal Osawal Nifty bank index fund (G),Quant active fund (G), SBI flexi cap fund , can i continue above funds ,please advise me
Ans: Evaluating Your Mutual Fund Portfolio for Optimal Performance

Your existing portfolio comprises a mix of equity and index funds, reflecting a diversified approach to investment. Let's assess each fund's performance and suitability to determine whether to continue or make any adjustments.

Analyzing Your Current Holdings

Axis Blue Chip Fund, ICICI Pru Value Discovery Fund, Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund, SBI Flexi Cap Fund, and Quant Active Fund offer exposure to various segments of the equity market, providing diversification benefits.

Motilal Oswal Nifty Bank Index Fund focuses on tracking the performance of the Nifty Bank Index, offering exposure to the banking sector.

Performance Evaluation

Evaluate each fund's historical performance relative to its benchmark and peer group. Assess factors such as consistency of returns, risk-adjusted performance, and fund manager expertise.

Consider the fund's investment strategy, portfolio composition, and expense ratio. Ensure alignment with your risk tolerance and investment objectives.

Identifying Areas for Potential Adjustment

Overlapping Holdings: Review your portfolio for any overlapping holdings or duplicate exposures across funds. Consolidate similar investments to streamline your portfolio and optimize diversification.

Underperforming Funds: Identify any funds that consistently underperform their benchmarks or peers. Consider replacing them with alternatives that offer better prospects for growth and align with your investment goals.

Asset Allocation: Maintain a balanced asset allocation across different fund categories to manage risk effectively and achieve your long-term financial goals.

Recommendations

Continue Well-Performing Funds: Retain funds that have demonstrated consistent performance, robust fundamentals, and alignment with your risk profile. These funds contribute to diversification and long-term growth potential.

Review Underperforming Funds: Evaluate underperforming funds and consider replacing them with better alternatives. Focus on funds with strong track records, experienced fund managers, and clear investment strategies.

Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to review your portfolio, identify areas for improvement, and develop a personalized investment strategy. Professional guidance can help optimize your portfolio and maximize returns over time.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 2024

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Hello Sir I m investing 9000 in SBI small cap & 9000 in Quant small cap in Feb'2024. Also 6000 in Parag Parikh Flexi Cap and 6000 in Quant Flexi Cap for the period for 20+ years. Please review my funds. Is these are good to continue.
Ans: It's commendable that you're investing with a long-term horizon in mind. Let's review your fund choices:

SBI Small Cap: Small-cap funds typically carry higher risk but also the potential for higher returns over the long term. Given your investment horizon of 20+ years, investing in small-cap funds can be a sound strategy, as they have the potential to outperform over extended periods.

Quant Small Cap: Similar to SBI Small Cap, Quant Small Cap also falls into the small-cap category. It's essential to understand that small-cap funds can be volatile in the short term but may offer significant growth opportunities over the long run.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap: Flexi-cap funds provide flexibility to invest across market capitalizations based on market conditions. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap is known for its diversified approach and focus on quality stocks. It's a suitable choice for long-term investors seeking exposure to a mix of large, mid, and small-cap stocks.

Quant Flexi Cap: Flexi-cap funds like Quant Flexi Cap offer flexibility in asset allocation, allowing the fund manager to adapt to changing market conditions. While Quant Flexi Cap may provide growth opportunities, it's essential to monitor its performance and ensure it aligns with your investment objectives.

Overall, your fund selection reflects a diversified approach across small-cap and flexi-cap categories, which can potentially provide robust growth prospects over the long term. However, it's essential to regularly review your investments to ensure they remain aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner periodically to reassess your investment strategy and make any necessary adjustments based on changing market dynamics and personal circumstances.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I have been investing in parag parik 25000,hdfc index sensex 20000,sbi magnum midcap 5000,canara Robeco small cap 5000 for past 4 years and planning to invest for 10 more years.I would like to is it ok to continue on the same funds or need to change?
Ans: Continuing with your current investment strategy or making changes depends on various factors, including your financial goals, risk tolerance, investment horizon, and the performance of your existing funds. Here's a comprehensive perspective:

Review Performance: Start by evaluating the performance of your current funds over the past few years. Look at both short-term and long-term returns compared to relevant benchmarks and peers. If your funds have consistently outperformed their benchmarks and demonstrated resilience during market downturns, it may be a good indication to continue investing in them.
Assess Fund Objectives: Understand the investment objectives and strategies of each fund in your portfolio. Ensure that they align with your own financial goals and risk appetite. For example, Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund follows a flexible investment approach across market caps, while HDFC Index Sensex Fund tracks the performance of the BSE Sensex. Ensure that each fund serves a specific purpose within your overall investment strategy.
Diversification: Consider the diversification of your portfolio across different asset classes, sectors, and market caps. While Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund provides diversification across market caps, HDFC Index Sensex Fund focuses solely on large-cap stocks. Evaluate whether your portfolio is adequately diversified to mitigate risk and capture growth opportunities across various segments of the market.
Risk Management: Assess the risk profile of your current funds and ensure that it aligns with your risk tolerance. Funds like SBI Magnum Midcap and Canara Robeco Small Cap tend to be more volatile due to their exposure to mid-cap and small-cap stocks. If you're comfortable with the associated risk and have a long-term investment horizon, you may consider maintaining exposure to these segments for potential higher returns.
Fund Manager Track Record: Evaluate the track record and experience of the fund managers managing your investments. A consistent and experienced fund management team can contribute significantly to the long-term success of your investments. Review any changes in fund management and assess their potential impact on fund performance.
Cost Consideration: Take into account the expense ratios and other costs associated with your funds. Lower costs can enhance your overall returns over the long term. Compare the expense ratios of your funds with industry averages and consider switching to lower-cost alternatives if necessary.
Market Conditions: Consider prevailing market conditions and economic outlook while making investment decisions. Periodically review your portfolio and make adjustments based on changing market dynamics, emerging trends, and geopolitical factors.
Ultimately, the decision to continue with your current funds or make changes should be based on a thorough analysis of your financial situation, investment objectives, and market conditions. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner or Mutual Fund Distributor with a CFP credential can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs and goals. They can help you create a well-balanced and diversified portfolio aligned with your long-term financial objectives.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 23, 2025

Money
Hi Sir, Iam 40 and below are my funds from 1) icici multiasset fund from p/m 20000 from 3 years 2) icici value discovery fund p/m 20000 from 3 years 3) icici thematic advantage 20000 p/m from 4 months 4) hdfc focus 30 fund 20000 p/m from 3 years 4) aditya birla gennext fund 20000 p/m from 3 years my question is a) shall i continue with above for the next 3 years? b) I want to invest in hdfc midcap opportunity fund 2000 every week rather than 8000 every month as its a risky fund to invest one shot. kindly suggest. thanks
Ans: Reviewing Your Current Investment Setup
You invest a total of ?1.2?lakh per month across five equity funds.

All funds are actively managed, which helps in growth and flexibility.

The current mix leans heavily toward aggressive equity exposure.

There is limited diversification across asset types.

You’ve built good equity discipline over 3+ years.

That consistency forms a strong foundation.

Evaluating Each Fund Category
Multi-Asset & Hybrid Approach
Investing ?20k/month in a flexible hybrid fund balances stock risk.

Hybrid funds add buffer during market volatility.

Retaining this allocation makes sense for risk moderation.

Value Discovery Equity
Value-focused fund adds cycle-based opportunity.

It provides diversification via different investing themes.

Good to retain for broad equity exposure.

Thematic Fund (Recent)
Thematic funds carry sector-specific or theme-based risk.

You’ve only invested ?20k/month for 4 months.

Consider capping thematic exposure at 5–10% of equity.

Too much thematic investment can raise volatility.

Focused 30 Equity Fund
High-conviction, 30-stock fund adds focused diversity.

It’s a distinct equity style useful in long-term portfolio.

Continuing is fine if manager’s philosophy aligns with your goals.

Next-Gen / Gen-Next Fund
This fund invests in future leaders and companies.

Good for capturing innovation-driven growth.

But it’s a thematic/small-mid blend—risky when overweighted.

Keep at 5–10% equity to avoid concentration risk.

Assessing Your Portfolio Allocation
You currently have five equity-heavy funds, totalling ?1.2?lakh/month.

That’s a concentrated equity posture without debt cushioning.

You lack a systematic debt or hybrid corridor to smooth markets.

Without yearly rebalancing, this can amplify risk.

A goal-based breakdown is needed: equity (growth), debt/hybrid (balance), liquid buffer.

Considering HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunity via Weekly SIP
The fund is actively managed and mid-cap focused—fitting your growth bias.

Investing weekly (?2,000/week = ?8,000/month) reduces lump-sum risk.

Weekly SIP averages out entry price—beneficial in volatile assets.

Adds discipline for gradual entry, rather than one-shot allocation.

Mid-cap suits your age and time horizon if balanced well in portfolio.

Proposed Portfolio Rebalancing
To simplify and increase long-term resilience, consider this restructuring:

1. Continue Hybrid Fund: ?20k/month in multi-asset fund

Ensures steady performance and reduces equity-only swings

2. Equity Core Allocation: ?60k/month across:

Large/Flexi-cap equity: ?20k

Mid-cap fund (like HDFC opportunity): ?20k (via weekly SIP)

Value discovery: ?10k

Small/thematic/next-gen combined: ?10k

3. Use Weekly SIP in Mid-Cap: ?2k/week into HDFC

Stabilises entry and control volatility

4. Gold Allocation: ?5k/month into gold ETF/fund

Acts as hedge against inflation and equity dips

5. Liquid Fund: ?5k/month for buffer and redemption flexibility

Total monthly savings becomes ?1.2?lakh + an additional ?8k = ?1.28?lakh.
You can start by adjusting existing SIPs and adding small gold/liquid allocations—it’s tailored to your equity-forward style.

Why Active Funds and Regular Plans Are Beneficial
Active managers can mitigate losses during downturns.

Index funds lack discretion: they ride the entire market movement.

Your timeframe and style suit active equity and theme selection.

Regular plans via CFP-backed distributors give advice, planning, and tax discipline.

Direct plans save cost but lack structure, mental comfort, and monitoring.

Weekly vs Monthly SIP: Benefits Breakdown
Weekly SIP smoothens volatility more than monthly SIP.

Smaller periodic contributions avoid timing mistakes.

If your salary permits, start with ?2k weekly in mid-cap.

Monitor impact before ramping up weekly SIPs further.

Monitoring and Rebalancing Strategy
Review allocation every six months: equity vs hybrid/gold/liquid.

If equity grows beyond 65–70%, shift new SIPs into hybrid or liquid.

Rebalance through future contributions to reduce tax impact.

Annual pass-through checks ensure you stay on risk target.

Tax Implications and Efficiency
Equity LTCG beyond ?1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%; STCG at 20%.

Hybrid and debt funds taxed per your income slab.

Gold ETF gains: LTCG, except if held under 3 years (STCG).

Under a regular plan, your advisor can schedule redemptions to manage tax liabilities and annual allowances.

Protecting Against Downside and Enhancing Stability
Hybrid fund ensures cushion during equity corrections.

Gold adds inflation protection and non-stock exposure.

Liquid fund avoids cash flow disruptions during emergencies.

Balanced equity structure across large, mid, small/theme segments adds stability.

Risk Management and Asset Allocation Ranges
You might aim for these approximate targets:

Equity: 60–65%

Hybrid: 20–25%

Gold: 5–7%

Liquid: 5–10%

These ranges protect from high equity swings and give growth potential for medium to long-term goals.

Protecting Your Health and Personal Safety Net
No mention of life or term-insurance—essential given dependents.

At age?40, buy term life insurance covering at least 10 times your income.

Health insurance of ?5–10 lakh protects against emergencies.

Insurance premiums are minor but crucial for a secure investment plan.

Execution Steps to Implement the Plan
Maintain existing hybrid SIP.

Retain your value discovery fund as core equity.

Shift a portion of thematic/next-gen into a monthly mid-cap SIP.

Begin ?8k weekly SIP into mid-cap fund.

Start ?5k/month gold fund.

Start ?5k liquid fund monthly.

Stop or reduce one overlapping equity SIP to fund liquid and gold.

Regularly check allocation drift and rebalance via contributions.

Review and Adjustment Timeline
Quarterly: Check NAV, returns, and emerging fund performance.

Half-yearly: Rebalance contributions among asset buckets.

Annually: Review goals, inflation, risk tolerance; adjust portfolio if necessary.

Final Insights
You have built solid equity discipline over years—already successful.

Rational portfolio trimming and reallocation adds resilience.

Weekly SIP into mid-cap aligns with your risk appetite and investment style.

Hybrid, gold, and liquid assets help smooth returns across cycles.

Active funds with CFP oversight combine growth, protection, and coaching.

This structured approach supports both capital growth and risk management over the next three years and beyond.

Feel free to connect if you’d like help choosing specific funds or setting periodic review reminders.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

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

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

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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