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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8192 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 16, 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
sahibjyot Question by sahibjyot on May 08, 2024Hindi
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Hello I am currently investing of around 13500 in mutual fund through sips 2500 in quant small cap, 2300 in Nippon India small cap , 1500 in kotak fof, 4200 in ICICI all seasons bond fund and 3000 in parag Parikh flexi too. My age is 24 i started last year in April and have accumulated a corpus of 180000, am I on the right path ?

Ans: Assessment of Your Investment Portfolio at 24

Congratulations on kickstarting your investment journey at such a young age! It's impressive that you've already built up a corpus of ?180,000 within just over a year. Let's delve into an evaluation of your current investment portfolio to ensure you're on the right path.

Diversification Evaluation

Diversification is like having a variety of dishes at a buffet, ensuring you have options even if one dish doesn't taste as good. Your portfolio seems to encompass a mix of equity and debt funds, which is a good start towards diversification.

Starting your investment journey at 24 reflects your proactive approach towards securing your financial future. Kudos to your financial prudence at such a young age!

It's commendable that you're seeking guidance to ensure your investments align with your long-term financial goals. It's perfectly normal to have doubts, especially when you're relatively new to investing.

Risk Assessment

At 24, you have time on your side, which means you can afford to take on more risk for potentially higher returns. Small-cap funds like Quant Small Cap and Nippon India Small Cap tend to be more volatile but offer the potential for significant growth over the long term.

Evaluation: While these funds can be rewarding, they also come with higher volatility and risk. It's crucial to ensure that your risk appetite aligns with the volatility of these investments.

Asset Allocation

Asset allocation is like baking a cake - you need the right ingredients in the right proportions for the perfect outcome. Your allocation seems skewed towards equity with only one debt fund, ICICI All Seasons Bond Fund.

Assessment: Since you're young, a higher allocation to equity is generally recommended for wealth accumulation over the long term. However, it's essential to periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation.

Regular Monitoring

Just like watering a plant, regular monitoring and adjustments are necessary for your investment portfolio to thrive. Keep track of market trends, fund performance, and your financial goals to make informed decisions.

Evaluation: As you progress in your career and your financial goals evolve, consider reviewing and adjusting your investment strategy accordingly. Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner can provide valuable insights and ensure your investments stay aligned with your objectives.

Final Verdict

Overall, you've made a commendable start to your investment journey. However, to ensure you're on the right path, consider the following:

Regularly assess your risk tolerance and adjust your portfolio accordingly.
Keep an eye on the performance of your funds and make changes if necessary.
Continuously educate yourself about investing to make informed decisions.
Consider seeking professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner for personalized guidance.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

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

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 28, 2023Hindi
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Hi Samraat, i am looking to build a retirement corpus of around 5 cr. and have started investing from the last few months in mutual funds. I am doing a monthly SIP of about 80k in the below mutual funds: 1. Hdfc flexi cap - 15k 2. Parag Parekh flexi cap - 15 k 3. Nippon india large cap fund - 10k 4. Nippon india growth fund - 10k 5. SBI magnum mid cap fund - 5k 6. Hdfc micap oppurtunities fund - 5k 7. Nippon india small cap fund - 20k I have a moderate to high risk appetite with an investment horizon of about 15 yrs. Please advise if my advise if my investments are in the correct funds or do i need to update my portfolio.
Ans: Hi Samraat,

You've taken a commendable step towards building a retirement corpus by investing in mutual funds through SIPs. Your approach shows foresight and discipline, both crucial for long-term financial success.

Assessing Your Current Portfolio
Your portfolio consists of a mix of large cap, mid cap, and small cap funds. This diversification can potentially offer a balance between risk and return, aligning with your moderate to high risk appetite.

Flexi Cap Funds: Investing Rs 30,000 in flexi cap funds offers flexibility. These funds can switch between large, mid, and small cap stocks. This adaptability can be advantageous, especially in volatile markets.

Large Cap Funds: Allocating Rs 10,000 to a large cap fund adds stability to your portfolio. Large cap funds typically invest in well-established companies. This can provide steady growth and less volatility compared to mid or small cap funds.

Mid Cap Funds: Investing Rs 10,000 in mid cap funds can enhance growth potential. Mid cap companies often have significant growth opportunities. However, they come with higher risk compared to large cap companies.

Small Cap Funds: Allocating Rs 20,000 to small cap funds introduces higher risk but also higher potential returns. Small cap funds invest in smaller companies, which can grow rapidly. However, they are also more volatile.

Advantages of Your Current Strategy
Diversification: Your portfolio is well-diversified across different market capitalizations. This diversification can help mitigate risks and capture growth opportunities across various segments.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Investing Rs 80,000 monthly through SIPs is a smart move. SIPs help in averaging out the cost of investment and instilling financial discipline.

Considerations for Improvement
While your portfolio is generally well-structured, there are areas for potential enhancement.

Overlapping Holdings: Multiple funds in your portfolio may have overlapping holdings. This can lead to concentration risk, reducing the benefits of diversification. Reviewing the specific holdings of each fund can help identify and reduce overlaps.

Performance Monitoring: Regularly monitor the performance of your funds. Market conditions and fund performance can change. Periodic reviews ensure your investments remain aligned with your goals.

Actively Managed Funds: Actively managed funds can offer potential advantages over index funds. These funds are managed by professional fund managers who actively select stocks. This can potentially lead to better returns, especially in volatile markets.

Investment Horizon: With a 15-year horizon, you have ample time to ride out market fluctuations. This long-term perspective is beneficial for equity investments. However, ensure your risk tolerance remains consistent over time.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Lack of Guidance: Direct funds lack the guidance provided by mutual fund distributors (MFDs) and certified financial planners (CFPs). This guidance can be crucial for making informed investment decisions.

Time and Effort: Managing direct funds requires significant time and effort. Regular monitoring and adjustments are needed to ensure optimal performance.

Professional Expertise: Investing through an MFD with CFP credentials offers access to professional expertise. This can help in selecting the right funds, optimizing returns, and managing risks effectively.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Expert Guidance: Investing through a CFP provides expert guidance. This can help you make informed decisions and stay on track to achieve your retirement goals.

Convenience: Regular funds managed by professionals offer convenience. You benefit from their expertise without having to invest time and effort in managing your investments.

Optimized Portfolio: A CFP can help create and maintain an optimized portfolio. This ensures your investments remain aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Building a Robust Retirement Corpus
Consistent Investing: Continue your SIPs consistently. Regular investments can help build a substantial corpus over time.

Review and Adjust: Periodically review and adjust your portfolio. This ensures it remains aligned with your financial goals and market conditions.

Professional Advice: Consider seeking advice from a CFP. Professional guidance can help optimize your portfolio and enhance your chances of achieving your retirement goals.

Conclusion
You've made a strong start towards building your retirement corpus. With consistent investments, regular reviews, and professional guidance, you can enhance your portfolio and achieve your retirement goals. Stay focused, disciplined, and proactive in managing your investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8192 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 28, 2023Hindi
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Hi Dev, i am looking to build a retirement corpus of around 10 cr. and have started investing from the last few months in mutual funds. My age is 41 years and looking to retire by 60. I am doing a monthly SIP of about 80k in the below mutual funds and aim to step up at 10% every year: 1. Hdfc flexi cap - 15k 2. Parag Parekh flexi cap - 15k. 3. Nippon india large cap fund - 10k 4. Nippon india growth fund - 10k 5. SBI magnum mid cap fund - 5k 6. Hdfc micap oppurtunities fund - 5k 7. Nippon india small cap fund - 20k I have a moderate to high risk appetite with an investment horizon of about 20 yrs. Please advise if my investments are in the correct funds or if any changes are needed. Thanks
Ans: Constructing a Robust Mutual Fund Portfolio for Retirement Planning

Assessment of Current Portfolio:

Your investment strategy reflects a proactive approach towards building a substantial retirement corpus. Diversifying across different mutual fund categories is a prudent move considering your moderate to high risk appetite.

Evaluation of Fund Selection:

Flexi Cap Funds:

HDFC Flexi Cap and Parag Parikh Flexi Cap are suitable choices offering flexibility to invest across market capitalizations.
These funds capitalize on growth opportunities across sectors, enhancing portfolio diversification.
Large Cap Funds:

Nippon India Large Cap Fund provides exposure to well-established companies with stable growth prospects.
It adds stability to your portfolio while capturing potential gains from large-cap stocks.
Growth Funds:

Nippon India Growth Fund focuses on companies with strong growth potential across sectors and market capitalizations.
It complements your investment strategy by targeting capital appreciation over the long term.
Mid and Small Cap Funds:

SBI Magnum Mid Cap Fund, HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, and Nippon India Small Cap Fund offer exposure to mid and small-cap segments.
These funds have the potential to deliver higher returns but come with higher volatility, suitable for your risk appetite and long investment horizon.
Assessing Investment Strategy:

SIP Amount and Step-up Approach:

Your current SIP allocation of Rs. 80,000 is substantial and aligns well with your goal of building a retirement corpus of Rs. 10 crore.
Implementing a step-up approach at 10% annually enhances your savings rate, accelerating wealth accumulation over time.
Investment Horizon and Risk Appetite:

With a moderate to high risk appetite and a 20-year investment horizon, your portfolio is appropriately positioned to withstand market volatility and capitalize on long-term growth opportunities.
Regular monitoring and periodic rebalancing will ensure alignment with your changing financial goals and risk tolerance.
Recommendations for Portfolio Optimization:

Review and Rebalance:

Periodically review your portfolio's performance and rebalance asset allocation based on changing market conditions and investment objectives.
Consider increasing exposure to sectors or funds showing promising growth prospects while reducing allocation to underperforming segments.
Continued Diversification:

Explore opportunities to further diversify your portfolio by adding exposure to thematic funds or sectors showing strong growth potential.
Maintain a balanced mix of equity funds across market capitalizations to mitigate concentration risk.
Conclusion:

Your investment strategy demonstrates a proactive approach towards achieving your retirement goal. By diversifying across mutual fund categories and implementing a systematic investment plan with a step-up approach, you are well-positioned to accumulate a substantial corpus over the next two decades.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8192 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 01, 2024

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Hello, I'm 37 years old and I have started investing into mutual funds since last year. My current portfolio is at 1.62 lacs. My Target is 1.5 CR in 10 years. I'm investing 10k in quant Elss, 5k Tata small cap, my wife is investing 10k in Quant flexi cap. And I want to invest 60k per month for the next 3 years in SBI contra 20k, PPAFS flexi cap 20k and ICICI multi asset 20k. Please advise if I'm going in the right direction. Noel
Ans: Noel, it's fantastic to see your commitment to building wealth through mutual funds. Your diversified portfolio showcases a strategic approach to investing across different market segments.

By investing in ELSS, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds, you're harnessing the potential for growth across various sectors and market capitalizations. These funds offer opportunities for capital appreciation over the long term, aligning well with your goal of reaching 1.5 crores in 10 years.

Your plan to increase investments to 60k per month for the next 3 years further demonstrates your dedication to achieving your financial objectives. SBI Contra, PPAFS Flexi Cap, and ICICI Multi Asset are reputable funds known for their performance and diversification benefits, providing a solid foundation for your portfolio expansion.

However, it's essential to periodically review your investments, monitor performance, and reassess your financial goals to ensure you remain on track. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to fine-tune your strategy and make any necessary adjustments along the way.

With discipline, patience, and strategic planning, you're well-positioned to progress towards your target of 1.5 crores in the next decade. Keep up the excellent work, and stay focused on your long-term financial success.

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Dr Nagarajan Jsk

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NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Apr 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 03, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello sir, Saranya from chennai. Doing final year B pharm. Heard about gpat from my friends How to do this entrance exam for joining pg course Please tell me if any other entrance exam is there for pg
Ans: Hi Saranya,

As you mentioned, many pharmacy graduates are considering the GPAT after completing their undergraduate studies in pharmacy. However, there are several more options available for pursuing a postgraduate degree in pharmacy today.

Here are the options for pursuing a PG in pharmacy:

1. GPAT: You can appear for the GPAT exam, and if you qualify, you will be eligible for a scholarship.

2. NIPER: You can also take the entrance exam for NIPER (National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research) campuses, which include Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Hajipur, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Raebareli, and Mohali. Qualifying here also makes you eligible for a scholarship.

3. PG-CUET: A new option is the PG-CUET (Common University Entrance Test), which is being conducted by the NTA (National Testing Agency) under the Department of Higher Education.

4. Government Institutions: State governments will announce admission through advertisements. Admission will be based on marks or an entrance exam.

5. Deemed Universities: Some deemed universities offer admission through their own entrance exams.

Historically, GPAT and NIPER were the primary options for national-level aspirants. Starting from the academic year 2025-26, the NTA will also conduct the PG-CUET for national-level admissions.

I have included more details about the PG-CUET below.
PGCUET (CODE - SCQP23)
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a National level Test conducted for admission into PG programmes in Central, State, and Participating Universities/ Institutions. The Common University Entrance Test CUET (PG) will provide a common platform and equal opportunity to candidates across the country, especially those from rural and other remote areas, and help establish better connections with the Universities. A single application form will enable the Candidates to cover a wide outreach and be part of the admission process to various Central and participating Universities. NTA has been assigned the responsibility of conducting the Common University Entrance Test (CUET).

Under Participating universities/instituttions are: Central and State Universities, Deemed and Private universities and Government institutuions.

Candidate must only select the test paper code. As the list of universities is dynamic and keeps on changing during the registration period.

A candidate can apply for two (02) Test Papers by paying the application fee (details mentioned at point 18).

A candidate can further apply for (02) additional Test Papers by paying additional application fees as applicable and maximum of four (04) test paper codes can be selected.

Mode of exam is CBT (Computer Based Test).
All Question Papers will be MCQ type. • Candidates can choose a maximum of four question paper codes. • The comprehension section in the General Paper will be available in either English or Hindi, based on the candidate's preference indicated during registration. • The duration of the Exam would be 90 Minutes. • The Question paper will have 75 Questions. • Four marks will be awarded for each correct answer and one mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.
• Language papers will be in the concerned language only.
• M.Tech/Higher Sciences will be in English only.
•Acharya papers will be in Sanskrit except for Hindu Studies, Indian Knowledge System, and Baudha Darshan.
• Humanities, Sciences, and Common papers would be bilingual (English and Hindi).
• The examination would be conducted in 2-3 shifts.
• The English version of the questions in all the question papers except languages and Acharya will be taken as final.

Syllabus: The Examination Syllabus will be uploaded on the Exam.

For the current year the examination dates (13.03.2025 to 31.03.2025) got over. iI THINK YOU HAVE MISSED IT. DONT WORRY. NEXT YEAR YOU CAN TRY OR YOU CAN ASSIST YOUR JUNIORS.

ADMISSION: Admissions will be handled at the level of each of the participating Universities for their respective programmes. After the declaration of the CUET(PG) 2025 results, the respective Universities will declare the counselling/admission schedule and merit list based on the CUET (PG) - 2025 score and any other criteria of participating universities. Please see the website of the concerned university for details regarding admission. There may be admission counselling by the universities with additional fees.

Applicants as per eligibility can apply for multiple test paper codes in one registration form. Candidates should not apply through duplicate or multiple forms, which may lead to the cancellation of all his/her Application Forms

CODE FOR PHARMACY: SCQP-23
SYLLABUS [POC, PIC, MATHS, OC - II, MICRO, APH (I&II), PHARM ENGINEERING, DCH PHARMACY, PHARM ANALYSIS (I -IV ), COGNOSY, CEUTICS-II, BIOCHEM, JURIS, COSMETICS, PHARM TECH, MED CHEM I-III, PHARMACOLOGY I-IV, BIOTECH, DRUG DESIGN, MARKETING, FOOD SCIENCE, QA, MANAGEMENT] HAS SHARED IN NTA WEBSITE.

THIS YEAR 57 INSTITUTIONS PARTICIPATED FOR THE SAID PURPOSE. NEXT YEAR THIS MAY INCREASE.

THE ADVANTAGES ARE NOT ONLY CAN PURSUE PHARMACY, APART FROM PHARMACY, YOU CAN PURSUE - DATA SCIENCE & AI, PUBLIC HEALTH, BIOINFORMATICS, PACKAGING TECH, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, GEOSPATIAL SCIENCE, PG DIP IN AI DIGITAL IMAGING, HEALTH CARE DATA, GEOINFORMATICS, PB-PHARMD, M.PHARM-PV, MSc- MICRO, MSc-NUTRITION, DIETICS.

I believe this information will be beneficial for your future education.

POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO!

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NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Apr 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 09, 2025Hindi
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Career
I am a 12th student now in state board of tamil Nadu and I am a government school student what is the minimum requirement for me to join mbbs in AFMC medical College
Ans: The following requirements are mandatory for admission to AFMC.

Age: 17-24yrs
Academic qualitfication: FIRST ATTEMPT with English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology/ Bio-technology taken simultaneously and securing not less than 60% of the aggregate marks in these three science subjects taken together and not less than 50% marks in English and 50% marks in each of the science subjects. They must have also passed an examination in Mathematics of the tenth standard.
Candidates seeking admission for MBBS course at AFMC Pune will have to mandatorily qualify the NEET UG 2024 Examination conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA). 11. Eligible candidates who are interested to join AFMC, Pune to pursue the MBBS course will have to mandatorily register and apply for AFMC, Pune on DGHS

The shortlisted candidates will be called for screening which comprises of Test of English Language and Reasoning (ToELR), Psychological Assessment Test (PAT), Interview and Medical Examination at AFMC, Pune.

ToELR & PAT - Test of English Language and Reasoning (ToELR) in the form of Computer Based Test (CBT) and also Psychological Assessment Test (PAT) to be conducted at AFMC, Pune only for candidates shortlisted for interview. (t) Written Examination Score - Score obtained in NEET (UG) 2024 (720 marks) added to ToELR Score (80 marks) divided by 4 to get a score out of 200. (u) Final Score - Written examination score (200 marks) + Interview marks (50 marks).

MEDICAL FITNESS: MANDATORY AS PER AFMC

ALL THE BEST

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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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