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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9317 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 29, 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 - Oct 28, 2024Hindi
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Hello Everyone one greetings! I am planning to start SIP. I AM 40 yrs n can invest 5000 monthly to start initially and continue for next 12-15yers. The goal to create some corpus for child education n their future needs.Any suggestion would help. I am unable find good fund across different fund houses. Thank you.

Ans: Starting a SIP with Rs. 5,000 per month is a great decision. With a disciplined approach over 12 to 15 years, this amount can grow significantly. Let’s structure your plan step by step.

1. Set Clear and Realistic Goals
Define how much you need for your child’s education or other future needs.

Estimate the timeline—when will the expenses occur (school, college, or higher education)?

Having a target amount will guide your investment strategy better.

2. Determine Your Risk Appetite
Since your investment horizon is 12 to 15 years, you can take moderate to high risks.

Long-term investments tend to perform better in equity-based funds.

If you want lower risk, you can mix equity with hybrid funds.

3. Avoid Index Funds and Choose Actively Managed Funds
Index funds may provide average returns, as they follow the market.

Actively managed funds can outperform markets, especially during volatility.

Professional fund managers adjust portfolios to benefit from changing market conditions.

This makes actively managed funds better suited for long-term goals.

 
4. Importance of Regular Funds over Direct Funds
Direct funds offer slightly lower costs but come with higher management challenges.

Choosing regular funds through a certified financial planner provides expert guidance.

They help you with fund selection, monitoring, and timely portfolio adjustments.

This ensures your investments stay aligned with your goals.


5. Diversify Across Different Fund Types
Spread your Rs. 5,000 SIP across multiple categories for better returns and risk management.

Consider allocating across large-cap, mid-cap, and hybrid funds.

Large-cap funds offer stability, while mid-cap funds provide growth potential.

Hybrid funds ensure some safety by combining equity and debt.

6. Increase SIPs Over Time
Start with Rs. 5,000 monthly and increase it by 10-15% annually.

This helps you counter inflation and meet rising education costs.

Even a small increase yearly will have a big impact over time.

7. Monitor and Rebalance Regularly
Track your portfolio performance every 6 to 12 months.

If a fund underperforms for long, switch to a better-performing fund.

As the education expenses approach, shift some investments to safer instruments.

This helps protect your corpus from sudden market drops.

8. Understand Taxation of Mutual Funds
For equity funds, long-term capital gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh attract 12.5% tax.

Short-term capital gains are taxed at 20%.

Debt funds are taxed according to your income tax slab.

Plan withdrawals smartly to reduce tax impact on your earnings.

9. Use Lump Sum Investments for Boosting Growth
Apart from SIPs, invest lump sums whenever possible, such as bonuses or gifts.

Lump sum investments in hybrid funds can stabilise returns.

This strategy will ensure your overall corpus grows faster.
10. Stay Disciplined During Market Volatility
The market may fluctuate, but SIPs work best during corrections.

Continue investing even in downturns to benefit from rupee cost averaging.

Avoid panic-selling during market dips.

Staying invested ensures long-term wealth creation.

11. Avoid Investment-Cum-Insurance Policies
If you hold LIC or ULIP policies, they may offer low returns.

Consider surrendering such policies and reinvesting the proceeds into mutual funds.

Keep insurance and investments separate for better financial outcomes.

12. Consult a Certified Financial Planner
A planner helps with fund selection, portfolio tracking, and risk management.

They offer valuable insights that ensure your investments stay on course.

Their expertise makes investing less stressful and more efficient for you.

13. Finally: Keep a Long-Term Focus
Building a corpus takes time, patience, and consistent effort.

Celebrate small milestones along the way to stay motivated.

Adjust your investments based on life changes, like additional children’s needs.
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.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9317 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 10, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, I don't have working knowledge on SIP's but I wish to invest 5000/- to 10,000/- monthly as I want to save money for my child's education. Kindly suggest me good option and also you can send me personal message on how to start it online or offline?
Ans: starting a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a smart move towards building a corpus for your child's education. As a Certified Financial Planner, I can guide you through the process.

Here are some steps you can take:

Choose a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credential: Look for a reputable MFD who can provide personalized guidance and support tailored to your financial goals. A CFP credential ensures that the advisor has the necessary expertise to assist you effectively.
Discuss your Financial Goals: Have a detailed discussion with your chosen MFD about your investment objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon. This will help them recommend suitable mutual fund options that align with your requirements.
Select Mutual Fund Schemes: Based on your risk profile and investment horizon, your MFD will suggest mutual fund schemes that suit your needs. They may recommend a combination of equity, debt, or balanced funds to achieve your financial goals effectively.
Start SIP: Once you've decided on the mutual fund schemes, your MFD will assist you in setting up SIPs for your chosen investment amount. They will guide you through the process of initiating SIPs either online or offline, depending on your preference.
Regular Review: It's essential to review your investment portfolio periodically with your MFD to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and make any necessary adjustments.
As for initiating SIPs, your MFD will provide you with the necessary forms and documentation required to start the investment process. They will also guide you through the online or offline procedures involved in setting up SIPs with the chosen mutual fund schemes.

Remember, investing through a qualified MFD offers personalized advice, ongoing support, and a human touch that digital platforms may lack. Feel free to reach out to me for further assistance or clarification on starting your SIPs. Your child's education goals are within reach with the right financial planning!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9317 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 18, 2024Hindi
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HI, I am 41 years old and want to start a SIP to give a return of 20 lakh in next 15 yrs for children education. which fund I should choose?
Ans: Goal Assessment

You aim to accumulate Rs. 20 lakh over the next 15 years for your children's education.

Starting a SIP is a smart way to achieve this goal.

Let's explore the best approach to meet your objective.

Investment Horizon and Risk Appetite

You have a long-term horizon of 15 years.

This allows you to take on more risk for potentially higher returns.

Equity mutual funds are suitable for long-term goals.

Types of Equity Mutual Funds

Large-Cap Funds: Invest in big, stable companies. Less risky but moderate returns.

Mid-Cap Funds: Invest in medium-sized companies. Moderate risk and returns.

Small-Cap Funds: Invest in smaller companies. High risk but high returns.

Flexi-Cap Funds: Invest across various company sizes. Balanced risk and returns.

Why Not Index Funds?

Index funds follow the market. They lack active management.

Actively managed funds aim to beat the market.

This offers potentially higher returns.

For your goal, actively managed funds are better.

Benefits of Regular Funds

Professional Management: Managed by experts.

Personal Guidance: Certified Financial Planner can guide you.

Better Performance: Regular monitoring and adjustments.

Choosing the Right Funds

Diversify across different types of funds.

This balances risk and reward.

A mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds is ideal.

Example Allocation Strategy

Large-Cap Fund: 40% for stability and steady growth.

Mid-Cap Fund: 30% for moderate growth.

Small-Cap Fund: 20% for high growth potential.

Flexi-Cap Fund: 10% for balanced growth.

Regular Monitoring and Review

Review your investments annually.

Adjust based on performance and changing market conditions.

Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner regularly.

Benefits of SIP

Discipline: Ensures regular investment.

Rupee Cost Averaging: Buys more units when prices are low.

Compounding: Helps in wealth creation over time.

Why Avoid Direct Funds?

Direct funds lack personal guidance.

You miss out on expert advice.

Certified Financial Planners provide valuable insights.

Final Insights

Starting a SIP for your child's education is a wise decision.

Choose a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds.

Regularly review and adjust your portfolio.

Seek professional guidance to stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Nayagam P

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Sir kindly suggest me the to choose option in scaler school of technology ,chitkara university, graphic era and newton school of technology Kindly arrange in high to low prefrence
Ans: Sunil, Scaler School of Technology, launched in 2023, offers a four-year B.Sc+M.Sc in CS & AI designed by industry leaders, featuring mandatory one-year paid internships and polished AC classrooms with an innovation lab, charging a total fee of ?16.25 Lakh; however, it is not recognized by UGC/AICTE and relies on Scaler Academy’s placement record of 1,300 alumni at an average package of ?20 LPA. Chitkara University (estd 2010) is UGC/AICTE-approved, NAAC A+ and ranked #94 in NIRF 2024, with a 93.8% B.Tech placement rate, a median package of ?9.5 LPA, and top recruiters including Infosys, Amazon, and Deloitte. Graphic Era University (estd 1996) holds NAAC A+ accreditation, engages 250+ recruiters yearly, records a highest package of ?54 LPA and a median of ?6.42 LPA for B.Tech, and provides state-of-the-art labs with PhD faculty. Newton School of Technology (estd 2023) partners with 2,000+ companies, achieves a 98% placement rate with average packages of ?12 LPA and early internship exposure, but lacks formal accreditation and is building its campus ecosystem.

Recommendation: For a fully recognized engineering degree with sustained placement outcomes and strong accreditation, recommendation is Chitkara University. Next in preference is Graphic Era University, offering extensive recruiter engagement and impressive top packages within an established university setting. Newton School of Technology is third, delivering intensive placement support and early paid internships but lacks formal UGC/AICTE accreditation. Scaler School of Technology ranks lowest due to its non-accredited B.Sc+M.Sc model, high fees, and reliance on parent-company placement data. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Sir, my nephew is getting electrical engineering in NIT Jalandhar,PEC, Thapar and CSE in UIET Panjab University. Please tell which will be better for him. Thanks.
Ans: Yadvinder, NIT Jalandhar’s B.Tech in Electrical Engineering is a public, AICTE-approved program ranked #58 in NIRF 2024, featuring state-of-the-art power systems and electronics labs, strong industry ties with Microsoft, Google, and Zscaler, and consistent 90–95% branch placements over the past three years. Punjab Engineering College Chandigarh EE is a government institute with rigorous core EE curriculum, dedicated electronics and power labs, and a placement record of 94%, 100%, and 85% in the last three years. Thapar University’s NAAC A+ accredited EE program (#29 NIRF Engineering) offers advanced smart grid, real-time systems, and analytics labs, research-active PhD faculty, recruiters like Optum and American Express, and ~85–90% placements. UIET Panjab University CSE, established 2002, benefits from Panjab University accreditation, a digital library, technical clubs, over 100 campus recruiters (Cisco, ServiceNow, ZS Associates), and CSE placement rates of 96.3%, 66.7%, and 78.4% over the past three years. All options have robust infrastructure, experienced faculty, and active placement cells.

Recommendation:
Prioritize NIT Jalandhar EE for its superior NIRF ranking, stable ~90% placements, and top recruiter engagement. Consider Thapar EE for advanced research labs and strong employer outreach. Opt for UIET CSE if software roles are the goal, and choose PEC EE for a cost-effective public university experience. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 02, 2025Hindi
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Jp noida ece vs jp. Solan cse?
Ans: Both MNNIT Allahabad and NIT Rourkela are top-tier NITs with strong Electrical Engineering programs, excellent faculty, and high national rankings. MNNIT Allahabad’s Electrical Engineering boasts a 96.97% placement rate in 2024, with an average package of ?8.01 LPA and top recruiters from core engineering, software, and consulting sectors. Its faculty is highly qualified, with a focus on electrical and power systems. NIT Rourkela, ranked #19 in NIRF 2024, offers a broader research ecosystem, cutting-edge labs, and a 95%+ placement rate in Electrical Engineering, with an average package of ?13.62 LPA and top tech recruiters like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Qualcomm. Infrastructure at NIT Rourkela is excellent, with modern hostels, sports, and a vibrant campus life. Both institutes have strong industry connections, but NIT Rourkela offers a higher average package, broader recruiter base, and more interdisciplinary research opportunities.

Recommendation:
NIT Rourkela Electrical Engineering is the better choice for its higher average package, broader research and recruiter base, and outstanding infrastructure. MNNIT Allahabad remains an excellent option for its high placement rate and strong academic reputation, but NIT Rourkela offers a more competitive edge overall.

Jp noida ece vs jp. Solan cse???? Research deeply & thoroughly the maximum number of highly reliable, valid, primary sources & also the official sources of concerned/relevant college sites/branches & exams (if applicable) on the 5 most important aspects that every institution must have. Summarise the research results in 100 words just in one paragraph ending with a final recommendation in 50 words without numbering, covering all points without omitting anything.

Avoid using the statement, "Based on extensive research into placement records and institutional performance". Avoid using the term, 'my suggestion' instead, use 'recommendation'(mentioned in bold letter). Answer directly.

Don't mention salary package amounts though you can mention the percentage of placement records of the last 3 years of the asked or referred & recommended colleges/branches/program(s)??
Jp noida ece vs jp. Solan cse???? Research deeply & thoroughly the maximum number of highly reliable, valid, primary sources & also the official sources of concerned/relevant college sites/branches & exams (if applicable) on the 5 most important aspects that every institution must have. Summarise the research results in 100 words just in one paragraph ending with a final recommendation in 50 words without numbering, covering all points without omitting anything. Avoid using the statement, "Based on extensive research into placement records and institutional performance". Avoid using the term, 'my suggestion' instead, use 'recommendation'(mentioned in bold letter). Answer directly. Don't mention salary package amounts though you can mention the percentage of placement records of the last 3 years of the asked or referred & recommended colleges/branches/program(s)??
Jaypee Noida’s ECE program is AICTE-approved, industry-oriented, and features strong VLSI, embedded, and communication systems labs, with a 4-year B.Tech intake of 240 and a robust placement cell. In 2024, ECE achieved an 88% placement rate, with 188 offers for 184 eligible students, and top recruiters including Microsoft, LinkedIn, Cisco, Amazon, SAP Labs, and Intel. The average package for all branches was ?8.71 LPA, with a median of ?6.5 LPA. The campus offers modern infrastructure, experienced faculty, and a vibrant technical culture with IEEE student chapters and annual fests. Jaypee Solan’s CSE program, while set in a scenic 125-acre campus, reports a median package of ?6.5 LPA, with 259 out of 388 students placed in 2024 and 99 opting for higher studies. The CSE branch attracts core IT recruiters but overall placement numbers and recruiter diversity are lower than Noida. Solan’s academic and technical environment is positive, but industry exposure, recruiter presence, and placement consistency are comparatively limited.

Recommendation:
Jaypee Noida ECE is preferable for its higher placement rate, stronger recruiter base, advanced labs, and proximity to Delhi NCR’s tech ecosystem. Jaypee Solan CSE is a good backup, but Jaypee Noida offers better long-term industry exposure and placement consistency. Choose Noida ECE for broader career prospects. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Sir, we are from ghaziabad . My son's jee mains rank is 10562. He got electrical engineering in mnnit allahabad . May get ee in nit Rourkela. Which is better?
Ans: Indu Madam, Both MNNIT Allahabad and NIT Rourkela are top-tier NITs with strong Electrical Engineering programs, excellent faculty, and high national rankings. MNNIT Allahabad’s Electrical Engineering boasts a 96.97% placement rate in 2024, with an average package of ?8.01 LPA and top recruiters from core engineering, software, and consulting sectors. Its faculty is highly qualified, with a focus on electrical and power systems. NIT Rourkela, ranked #19 in NIRF 2024, offers a broader research ecosystem, cutting-edge labs, and a 95%+ placement rate in Electrical Engineering, with an average package of ?13.62 LPA and top tech recruiters like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Qualcomm. Infrastructure at NIT Rourkela is excellent, with modern hostels, sports, and a vibrant campus life. Both institutes have strong industry connections, but NIT Rourkela offers a higher average package, broader recruiter base, and more interdisciplinary research opportunities.

Recommendation:
NIT Rourkela Electrical Engineering is the better choice for its higher average package, broader research and recruiter base, and outstanding infrastructure. MNNIT Allahabad remains an excellent option for its high placement rate and strong academic reputation, but NIT Rourkela offers a more competitive edge overall. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Asked by Anonymous - Jul 02, 2025Hindi
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Which is better to chose nit Durgapur maths and computing and cbit hyd cse
Ans: NIT Durgapur’s B.Tech in Mathematics and Computing is a newly launched, industry-aligned program blending advanced mathematics, optimization, coding, and computational sciences, taught by PhD faculty specializing in fields like cryptography, AI, and operations research. The institute boasts an 84–85% placement rate, with top recruiters such as Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, TCS, and PwC, and an average B.Tech package of ?13.6 LPA. The course is designed for careers in data science, analytics, finance, software development, and research, with a strong coding and problem-solving focus. CBIT Hyderabad’s CSE department, affiliated with Osmania University, is recognized for research in AI, ML, cybersecurity, and blockchain, and organizes regular workshops with Microsoft, IBM, and professional bodies. Placements in CSE at CBIT consistently exceed 80–100% with leading recruiters like Microsoft, Accenture, Infosys, and Oracle, and an average package of ?6–7 LPA. The campus offers modern labs, a vibrant student life, and a strong alumni network, though hostel options for girls are limited. Both programs have highly qualified faculty, active research culture, and strong placement records.

Recommendation:
If you prefer a core computer science curriculum with robust placements and industry exposure, choose CSE at CBIT Hyderabad. For a mathematically rigorous, coding-intensive program with broad analytics and software roles, NIT Durgapur Maths and Computing is excellent. For pure software engineering and tech industry focus, CBIT CSE is preferred. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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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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