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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 23, 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
Raghav Question by Raghav on May 23, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir Im turning 36 this Dec. I have home loan outstanding of 33Lakh(31648/month)...earlier I was planning to pay 10 lakh every year end and close it in next 3-4 years. But Now I’m thinking to build a corpus of 50 lakh with below investment in next 4-5 years and close it in one go. 1.Quant/kotak/axis small cap direct growth- 11K each/month(9 month old) 2.parag parikh ELSS tax saver- 2K/month(12 month old) 3.mirae asset ELSS tax saver-1.5K/month(12 month old) 4.quant ELSS tax saver-3K/month(16 month old) 5.Kotak ELSS tax saver-2K/month(16 month old) 6.SBI PSU direct plan-3K/month( 1 month) 7.Aditya birla sunlife PSU equity fund- 5K/month(1 month) Apart from this im investing in direct stock (50K) I was planning to pay 10 lakh every year from above investment only. Please advise what would be better as im getting goods returns till now. tax plans are necessary to save tax for me and my wife.

Ans: Current Financial Situation and Loan Repayment Strategy

You are turning 36 this December and have an outstanding home loan of Rs. 33 lakhs with an EMI of Rs. 31,648 per month. Initially, you planned to pay Rs. 10 lakhs annually to close it in 3-4 years. Now, you are considering building a corpus of Rs. 50 lakhs in the next 4-5 years and closing it in one go.

Commendable Investment Approach

Your current investments show a disciplined and diversified approach:

Small Cap Direct Growth Funds: Rs. 11K each/month (9 months old)
ELSS Tax Saver Funds:
Parag Parikh: Rs. 2K/month (12 months old)
Mirae Asset: Rs. 1.5K/month (12 months old)
Quant: Rs. 3K/month (16 months old)
Kotak: Rs. 2K/month (16 months old)
PSU Equity Funds:
SBI: Rs. 3K/month (1 month old)
Aditya Birla Sunlife: Rs. 5K/month (1 month old)
Direct Stocks: Rs. 50K/month
Analysis of Current Investments

Your portfolio is well-diversified across small cap, ELSS, and PSU equity funds. Investing in direct stocks further adds to this diversity. Your approach balances risk and growth potential, and the tax-saving investments are necessary for you and your wife.

Advantages of Building a Corpus

Building a corpus of Rs. 50 lakhs before closing your loan has several benefits:

Liquidity Maintenance: Keeping funds accessible rather than locking them into prepayment allows for better liquidity management.

Potential Higher Returns: Your current investments are yielding good returns, which might be higher than the interest savings from prepaying the loan.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds only replicate market performance and do not aim to outperform. Actively managed funds can potentially deliver better returns through strategic decisions made by fund managers.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds are handled by expert fund managers who can adapt to market changes. This adaptability can lead to higher returns and better risk management compared to index funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds lack professional guidance and management. Investing through regular funds with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides expert advice and regular portfolio reviews, optimizing your investments.

Evaluating Your Loan Prepayment Strategy

Your plan to pay Rs. 10 lakhs annually from your investments is sound, but consider the following:

Interest Rate Comparison: Compare the potential returns from your investments with the interest rate on your home loan. If investment returns exceed loan interest, continuing your current investment strategy might be better.

Tax Benefits: Home loan interest payments provide tax deductions. Weigh the tax benefits against the interest paid before deciding on prepayment.

Suggested Investment Adjustments

To optimize your portfolio, consider these adjustments:

Flexi Cap Funds: These funds provide flexibility by investing across market capitalizations, balancing risk and return.

International Equity Funds: Diversifying globally can hedge against domestic market volatility and tap into global growth opportunities.

Sectoral/Thematic Funds: Investing in specific sectors like technology or healthcare can offer high growth potential but comes with higher risk.

Regular Monitoring and Professional Guidance

Periodic reviews with a Certified Financial Planner are essential. They help align your investments with changing market conditions and personal goals, ensuring you stay on track for your financial targets.

Conclusion

Your current strategy and disciplined approach are commendable. Building a Rs. 50 lakh corpus before closing your home loan seems wise, given the potential for higher returns from your investments. Regular reviews and professional guidance will help optimize your portfolio and achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
Asked on - May 23, 2024 | Answered on May 23, 2024
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thank you for explaining me thoroughly.....this is great help solving my confusion
Ans: You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Best wishes on your financial journey!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
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 26, 2024

Money
Dear Sir...Im turing 36 this Dec....I have home loan remaining around 33.5 lakh...Im looking forward to close this by end of 2028 and also to build corpus nearly 20 lakh new property down payment...my investments are as per below, 1.Quant/kotak/axis small cap direct growth- 10K/month(9 month old) 2.parag parikh ELSS tax saver- 2K/month(12 month old) 3.mirae asset ELSS tax saver-1.5K/month(12 month old) 4.quant ELSS tax saver-3K/month(16 month old) 5.Kotak ELSS tax saver-2K/month(16 month old) 6.SBI PSU direct plan-3K/month( 1 month) 6.Aditya birla sunlife PSU equity fund- 5K/month(1 month) need your expertise if I need to change funds...these are combined investment by me & my wife..TAX saver are required to avoid tax liability under 80C...how much I need to invest further to achive the goal.....
Ans: Turning 36 this December, you have clear financial goals: closing your home loan by the end of 2028 and building a corpus of nearly Rs 20 lakh for a new property down payment. Your current investments reflect a thoughtful approach to achieving these objectives. Let's analyze your strategy and suggest ways to optimize your portfolio and achieve your goals effectively.

Current Investment Analysis
Your investment portfolio includes a mix of small-cap funds, ELSS tax saver funds, and sector-specific funds. Here’s a breakdown of your monthly SIPs:

Small Cap Direct Growth Funds: Rs 10,000 per month.
Parag Parikh ELSS Tax Saver: Rs 2,000 per month.
Mirae Asset ELSS Tax Saver: Rs 1,500 per month.
Quant ELSS Tax Saver: Rs 3,000 per month.
Kotak ELSS Tax Saver: Rs 2,000 per month.
SBI PSU Direct Plan: Rs 3,000 per month.
Aditya Birla Sunlife PSU Equity Fund: Rs 5,000 per month.
These investments are well diversified across different categories and offer tax benefits under Section 80C. Let’s explore each category to ensure they align with your goals.

Evaluating Fund Categories
1. Small Cap Funds
Small-cap funds have high growth potential but come with higher volatility. Investing Rs 10,000 per month is significant. Given your long-term horizon, these can provide substantial returns but should be monitored regularly.

2. ELSS Tax Saver Funds
ELSS funds offer tax benefits and have a mandatory three-year lock-in period. Your diversified investment in multiple ELSS funds is good for tax planning and long-term growth. However, consolidating into fewer funds might make portfolio management easier.

3. Sector-Specific Funds (PSU Funds)
Sector-specific funds can provide higher returns during sectoral booms but carry higher risk. Investing in PSU funds can be beneficial if you believe in the sector’s growth, but diversifying across sectors can reduce risk.

Suggestions for Portfolio Optimization
Review and Consolidate ELSS Funds
While having multiple ELSS funds diversifies risk, consolidating into two or three top-performing ELSS funds can simplify management and potentially enhance returns. Choose funds with consistent performance and robust management.

Balanced Allocation in Small Cap and Large Cap Funds
Given the volatility of small-cap funds, consider allocating a portion of your investments to large-cap or multi-cap funds. These funds provide stability and steady growth, balancing the high risk of small-cap investments.

Diversify Sector-Specific Investments
Instead of concentrating solely on PSU funds, consider diversifying into other promising sectors or opting for diversified equity funds. This approach can mitigate sector-specific risks and improve overall portfolio performance.

Calculating Additional Investment Needed
To close your home loan by the end of 2028 and accumulate Rs 20 lakh for a new property down payment, you need to calculate the total amount required and the additional investments needed.

Home Loan Repayment Strategy
Assuming you have 5 years to repay Rs 33.5 lakh:

Monthly EMI: Rs 22,000 (current)
Additional Monthly Investment: Calculate the extra amount needed based on your repayment schedule and interest rate.
Building Corpus for Down Payment
To accumulate Rs 20 lakh in 5 years, you need to invest systematically. Assuming an average annual return of 12% from your mutual funds, calculate the monthly SIP required.

Suggested Investment Plan
Increase SIPs for Goal Achievement
Home Loan Repayment: Allocate additional monthly funds to prepay your loan. Utilize any bonuses or windfalls to reduce principal.
Down Payment Corpus: Increase your SIPs in diversified equity funds and ELSS funds to achieve the required Rs 20 lakh.
Example Allocation
Increase SIP in diversified equity funds: Rs 5,000 per month.
Additional SIP in ELSS funds: Rs 3,000 per month.
Allocate any surplus income to a debt fund for lower risk and liquidity.
Monitoring and Adjustments
Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your financial goals. Adjust your investments based on market conditions and personal financial changes.

Conclusion
Your current investments and clear financial goals set a strong foundation for achieving financial independence and securing your future. By optimizing your portfolio, increasing SIPs, and strategically repaying your home loan, you can meet your objectives efficiently.

Feel free to reach out for personalized advice or assistance in structuring your investment portfolio. I'm here to help you optimize your investments and achieve your financial objectives.

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 29, 2024

Money
Dear Sir...Im turing 36 this Dec....I have home loan remaining around 33.5 lakh(EMI 31648/month)...Im looking forward to close this by end of 2028 and also to build corpus nearly 20 lakh new property down payment...my investments are as per below, 1.Quant/kotak/axis small cap direct growth- 10K/month(9 month old) 2.parag parikh ELSS tax saver- 2K/month(12 month old) 3.mirae asset ELSS tax saver-2K/month(12 month old) 4.quant ELSS tax saver-3K/month(16 month old) 5.Kotak ELSS tax saver-2K/month(16 month old) 6.SBI PSU direct plan-3K/month( 1 month) 6.Aditya birla sunlife PSU equity fund- 5K/month(1 month).apart from this investing stocks (invested 60K till date) need your expertise if I need to change funds...these are combined investment by me & my wife..TAX saver are required to avoid tax liability under 80C...how much I need to invest further to achive the goal.....
Ans: Optimizing Your Investment Strategy for Financial Goals
It's commendable that you have a clear vision for your financial future. Balancing a home loan, tax-saving investments, and building a corpus for property down payment requires a strategic approach. Let's evaluate your current investments and suggest improvements.

Evaluating Current Investments
You have diversified your investments across various mutual funds and ELSS schemes. This is a good start. Here’s a brief analysis of your portfolio:

Small Cap Funds: Investing Rs. 10K/month in small cap funds for 9 months shows an aggressive growth strategy. Small cap funds offer high returns but come with higher risk.

ELSS Tax Saver Funds: You have significant investments in ELSS to avail tax benefits under Section 80C. This is prudent as it serves dual purposes of tax saving and wealth creation.

PSU Equity Funds: Your recent investments in PSU equity funds suggest a strategic shift towards stability. PSUs can offer relatively stable returns and dividends.

Stock Investments: Your stock investments of Rs. 60K till date indicate a hands-on approach to wealth building. Stock picking requires research and time, which you seem committed to.

Financial Goals: Home Loan Closure and Down Payment Corpus
Closing Home Loan by 2028
To close your home loan by 2028, you need to focus on prepayment strategies. Prepaying your loan can significantly reduce the interest burden. Here’s how you can approach it:

Prepayment Plan: Allocate any annual bonuses, increments, or windfall gains towards loan prepayment. Even small prepayments can shorten the loan tenure.

Increase EMI Amount: If possible, increase your EMI by a small percentage each year. This reduces the principal faster.

Building a Corpus for Property Down Payment
You aim to accumulate Rs. 20 lakh for a property down payment. Given your investment horizon of 4-5 years, here’s a structured approach:

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Continue your SIPs but focus on a mix of mid-cap, multi-cap, and balanced funds. These funds balance growth and stability.

Monthly Investment: To accumulate Rs. 20 lakh, calculate the required monthly SIP amount. This should include a realistic growth rate based on past performance.

Optimizing Your Portfolio
Reviewing Fund Performance
Small Cap Funds: Continue with small cap funds but monitor their performance regularly. Small cap funds can be volatile, so stay updated with their performance and market trends.

ELSS Funds: Consolidate your ELSS investments if needed. Too many funds can lead to overlapping and diluted returns. Choose the best-performing ELSS funds and focus on them.

PSU Funds: Continue with PSU funds for stability and dividends. However, ensure they align with your risk profile and long-term goals.

Suggested Funds for Additional Investment
To invest an additional Rs. 20K per month, consider the following types of funds:

Multi-Cap Funds: These funds offer flexibility to invest across different market capitalizations, providing a balanced growth approach.

Balanced Advantage Funds: These dynamically adjust the allocation between equity and debt based on market conditions, offering stability with growth.

Mid-Cap Funds: Mid-cap funds offer a balance between the high risk of small caps and the stability of large caps.

Focused Equity Funds: These funds invest in a concentrated portfolio of high-conviction stocks, potentially offering high returns with a focused risk approach.

Hybrid Funds: These funds invest in both equity and debt instruments, providing balanced risk and return.

Creating a Diversified Portfolio
Sample Allocation
Multi-Cap Funds: Rs. 5,000/month
Balanced Advantage Funds: Rs. 5,000/month
Mid-Cap Funds: Rs. 5,000/month
Focused Equity Funds: Rs. 3,000/month
Hybrid Funds: Rs. 2,000/month
This allocation ensures diversification across various asset classes, reducing risk while aiming for optimal returns.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly monitor your investments and rebalance your portfolio annually. This ensures your portfolio remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Conclusion
Your current investment strategy is well thought out. By optimizing your portfolio and focusing on a mix of funds, you can achieve your financial goals of closing your home loan and building a property down payment corpus.

Continue your disciplined approach, stay informed, and adjust your investments as needed. Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice and to stay on track with your financial journey.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  | Answer  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 11, 2024

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HelloMr. Arora, I'm going to be 54 in May and have no retirement plan yet. As we have 2 budget stores 1 is going ok and other one we just started. I want to get around 4cr after 10 years. While our investments are my LIC is 84000 yearly for 20 years which will be matured in 2033 and 2034 SIP's are Axis ELSS Tax Saver Fund (G) 1000 p/m from 2020 Bank of India ELSS Tax Saver Fund Reg (G) 1500 p/m from 2022 Kotak Equity Opportunities Fund (G) 2500 p/m from 2022 Quant Small Cap Fund (G) 1500 p/m from 2022 my wife's SIP are Bank of India ELSS Tax Saver Fund Reg (G) 5000 p/m from 2024 Canara Robeco ELSS Tax Saver Fund Reg (G) 2500 p/m from 2021 Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund (G) lumsum amount 2L in 2021 Union ELSS Tax Saver Fund (G) 2500 p/m from 2021 Value of above is today 11Lacs I also have shares and invested in it 3L, now a days its cost is 4Lacs besides that I have made 2 more small SIP's in nippon as well from this year. My wife is also working while I look after the stores. We have our own two houses (1Cr and 90Lacs) (both lone free.) One we bough last year with 33k EMI for next 20 years. I'll get 3L next year in july, one of my tax saving policy will be matured. I have big ancestral land in hills (agricultural but barren), will be cost 1Cr and one more an ancestral house. Can you please guide me about the investment, so we can diversify and make 4cr in another 10 years. We also have one small kid for him we have already taken 2 child eductional plans and for that we pay 1,25,000/- yearly seperately. Which he will get when he will be 18. Please guide me. regards Amy
Ans: Hello;

Your current monthly SIP of 16.5 K may grow into a sum of 40.7 L after 10 years.

The 11 L worth holding in mutual funds as on today may grow into a sum of 37.34 L after 10 years.

The 4 L worth share holding as on today may grow into a sum of 13.58 L after 10 years.

The LIC endowment policy may yield you a sum of 22.45 L in 2033.(Maturity)

Adding all these amounts we get a sum of 1.14 Cr after 10 years.

Supposing you sell your land property currently valued at 1 Cr and invest it lumpsum in a pure equity mutual fund then after 10 years you may expect a sum of 3.39 Cr. (Returns from mutual funds and equity considered at 13% and endowment insurance policy return assumed at 6%)

So your total corpus will become 3.39+1.14=
4.53 Cr.

Seek help from a mutual fund distributor or investment advisor to select appropriate funds for your requirement.

Happy Investing!!

You may follow us on X at @mars_invest for updates.

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2025

Money
Hi Sir, I need your guidance regarding my financial planning. I Am 36 yrs old, working in a product-based semiconductor company. Housewife and One daughter 8 yrs old. My current salary is 3.5L after deduction take home is around 2.5L(without PF and NPS deductions). Home and housing plot worth 1cr (No EMIs). Having only one liability loan (28k per month for the next 4yrs). My current portfolio MF 12.2L, Indian shares 8.5L, US Shares 25L, SSY 5.5L, NPS 3.5L, PF 14.5L. 3.5cr personal term policy, 1cr term policy from company. Ancient properties ~1Cr. 22L health insurance (personal+company) Present my monthly savings Corporate NPS: -16.3k PF: -39k ESPP: -49K SSY: -4k Gold saving scheme for ornaments: -20k Edelweiss small cap: -11k Parag parikh Felix cap: -8k Quant Active fund: -8k Kotak equity opportunities: -4k ICICI pro blue-chip fund: -5K ICICI pro manufacturing fund: -3k ICICI pro Nifty next 50: -2k ICICI pro value discovery: -4k Apart from Salary I will get RSUs of 12-15L worth company shares at every AR cycle (25L worth US shares I mentioned are RSU+ESPP) I purchased the plot and a house by selling my last 5 years accumulated company shares. I am planning to purchase one more house in my native place, which yields 4-5% rental income, is it good or should I diversify money in MFs? My aim is to accumulate 6cr retirement carpus (excluding real estate), 2cr for my kid higher studies and marriage. In the next 14 years I want to make this corpus and retire at the age of 50. Please review my current portfolio and suggest if any changes are needed. Also I need one more suggestion, 5 years back my father passed away, we have got 20L insurance amount. Me and my brother discussed and opened a savings account on my mother’s name (60yrs old now) to have liquid cash flow for her personal expenses, in IDFC, giving 7% interest and crediting interest in monthly basis. Also, we are getting 20K rent from ancient property that amount also funding to my mother account. Should we continue in the same way, or we have any investment options with low risk? my mother’s medical expenses will be covered in my and my brother’s insurance policy.
Ans: When there are too many follow-up questions in one go, it becomes difficult to collate and address everything effectively. It’s better to connect directly with a Mutual Fund Distributor + Certified Financial Planner like us for a proper review and action plan.

If you'd like to reach me for a detailed one-on-one consultation, please use the website link in my signature.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
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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