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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10194 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 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
Jignesh Question by Jignesh on Aug 16, 2023Hindi
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Hello Sir, ..For a long term goals for about 20 years, I have listed out few MF schemes. I have already invested in debt funds about 8lac and they part of fixed income allocation. Please suggest me if equity selection in these 5 schemes for 20 years is good enough. total investment per month is 30k with sip of each scheme being 6k . 1 large cap - 6k, 1 mid cap- 6k, 1 small cap-6k, 1 BAF-6k & 1 value fund- 6k. Thank you

Ans: Analyzing Your Long-Term Mutual Fund Investment Strategy

Congratulations on your proactive approach to long-term financial planning. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), I'll assess the equity selection in your chosen schemes and offer insights to help you achieve your investment goals over the next 20 years.

Assessing Equity Fund Selections

Your selection of one large-cap, one mid-cap, one small-cap, one balanced advantage fund (BAF), and one value fund reflects a well-diversified approach to equity investing. Each fund category serves a specific purpose in portfolio construction, offering exposure to different segments of the market.

Analyzing Growth Potential and Risk Profiles

Large-cap funds typically offer stability and consistency, making them suitable for conservative investors. Mid-cap and small-cap funds, on the other hand, provide higher growth potential but come with increased volatility. Balanced advantage funds aim to manage risk through dynamic asset allocation, while value funds focus on undervalued stocks with potential for long-term appreciation.

Evaluating Fund Managers and Track Records

Assessing the track records and expertise of fund managers is crucial in evaluating the potential success of your chosen schemes. Consistent performance across market cycles and adherence to investment philosophies are indicators of managerial competence. As a CFP, I recommend researching fund manager credentials and tenure to ensure alignment with your investment objectives.

Considering Market Conditions and Economic Outlook

Staying abreast of prevailing market conditions and economic trends is essential for making informed investment decisions. Regular portfolio reviews and adjustments may be necessary to capitalize on emerging opportunities and mitigate risks. As a CFP, I emphasize the importance of long-term perspective and disciplined investing, especially during market fluctuations.

Mitigating Risks Through Diversification

While your selection of equity funds offers diversification across market segments, it's essential to periodically review your portfolio for potential overlaps and concentration risks. Diversifying across asset classes, including equities, debt, and alternative investments, can further mitigate portfolio volatility and enhance risk-adjusted returns.

Optimizing Investment Strategies With a CFP

As a CFP, I can provide personalized advice and ongoing portfolio management to optimize your investment strategies. Opting for regular plans through Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs) with a CFP credential ensures access to professional guidance and tailored solutions aligned with your financial goals.

Making Informed Investment Decisions

In conclusion, your selection of equity funds for long-term wealth accumulation demonstrates a strategic approach to portfolio construction. By leveraging the expertise of a CFP and staying disciplined in your investment approach, you can navigate market fluctuations and work towards achieving your financial objectives over the next 20 years.

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  |10194 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 10, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi experts, I'm 45 years and starting my MF investment journey, I've selected the below MFs to invest in from a view for my Retirement Planning, If I intend to build a corpus of 5 Cr by 60 yrs, are these the right MFs to go with, or do you suggest swapping these for any better ones, kindly suggest. Also how much amount should I invest lumpsum and via SIPs in these? Thank You !! HDFC Retirement Savings Fund - Equity Plan - G 15yrs(lockin 5 years) Edelwiess Mid Cap Fund - G 12 yrs DSP Health Care Fund - G 10 yrs Bandhan Nifty Alpha 50 Index Fund - G 8 yrs ICICI Pru. Equity & Debt Fund - G - 6 yrs Kotak Low Duration 2 yrs
Ans: It’s good to see you starting your mutual fund investment journey. Planning for a retirement corpus of Rs 5 crore by the age of 60 is a significant goal. I appreciate that you are focusing on long-term investments. However, I have noticed some areas that need reevaluation for optimal results. Let’s go through your choices step by step.

Mutual Fund Selection Review

HDFC Retirement Savings Fund - Equity Plan - G (15 years with a 5-year lock-in)

You have chosen a retirement savings fund with an equity plan. While equity-focused funds are good for long-term growth, having a 5-year lock-in could restrict your ability to make timely adjustments.

Actively managed equity funds tend to perform better compared to index funds like Nifty Alpha. A Certified Financial Planner would typically suggest reviewing the overall portfolio performance frequently to ensure alignment with your goals.

Retirement funds with a lock-in period are less flexible. You might need more flexibility as you approach retirement to rebalance your portfolio.

Consider replacing this with an actively managed diversified equity fund. This will give better flexibility and professional management oversight.

Edelweiss Mid Cap Fund - G (12 years)

Mid-cap funds are great for higher returns, but they also come with higher risks. They can be volatile over the short to medium term. However, given your 12-year horizon, they could add value to your portfolio.

Actively managed mid-cap funds perform better over time, and choosing regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner will give you access to professional guidance. This ensures timely corrections based on market conditions.

It’s essential to keep an eye on market cycles. Mid-cap funds may take longer to recover during downturns, but an experienced professional managing your funds will handle that well.

DSP Health Care Fund - G (10 years)

Sectoral funds, like healthcare funds, tend to be highly volatile and depend on the performance of one specific sector. While the healthcare sector has growth potential, this should not form a large part of your portfolio.

Sectoral funds should be considered as satellite investments, not core. Your core investment should focus on diversified equity funds.

Consider replacing this with a more diversified equity fund or even a flexi-cap fund for better balance. These funds are actively managed to adjust to market conditions and diversify risk.

Bandhan Nifty Alpha 50 Index Fund - G (8 years)

Index funds like the Nifty Alpha 50 Fund often lack the agility of actively managed funds. Their returns are capped to the performance of the index, and they may underperform in market downturns.

Actively managed funds with a strong track record can outperform index funds, especially in the Indian market, where active fund managers can capitalize on market inefficiencies.

Avoid index funds if you are looking for superior long-term performance. Actively managed funds are better suited to deliver higher returns over your investment horizon.

ICICI Prudential Equity & Debt Fund - G (6 years)

Hybrid funds like the ICICI Prudential Equity & Debt Fund offer a mix of equity and debt. These are suitable for moderate-risk investors, providing both growth and safety.

Over a 6-year period, this fund may offer stability, but for your long-term retirement goal, you may want to focus more on equity for higher returns.

You can keep a small portion of your portfolio in such funds for stability, but the majority should still be in equity to meet your Rs 5 crore goal.

Kotak Low Duration Fund (2 years)

A low-duration fund is designed for short-term goals, not long-term retirement planning. It offers stability but minimal growth.

This fund is not aligned with your 15-year goal. Instead, consider shifting this allocation to equity-focused funds for better growth over the long term.

Low-duration funds are ideal for emergency funds, not for retirement planning.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds like the Bandhan Nifty Alpha 50 only track a specific index. This limits their growth potential compared to actively managed funds.

During market downturns, index funds cannot protect or manage risks. Actively managed funds, however, can strategically adjust portfolios to safeguard investors.

Actively managed funds can capitalize on market inefficiencies. This is why Certified Financial Planners prefer them, especially in emerging markets like India.

SIP vs Lumpsum Investments

SIP (Systematic Investment Plan): It allows you to invest consistently over time. This strategy helps you take advantage of market volatility by averaging the cost of buying units. For long-term goals like retirement, SIP is highly recommended.

Lumpsum Investment: This is suitable when you expect markets to rise consistently over time. However, markets fluctuate, and timing a lumpsum investment can be tricky. SIPs help avoid the risk of investing at the wrong time.

Given your 15-year horizon, a combination of SIP and a small lump sum could work well. SIPs provide discipline, while a lumpsum in the right equity funds could jumpstart your investments.

Amount to Invest

You are aiming for Rs 5 crore by the time you retire. To achieve this, you will need to consistently invest a significant amount each month. Start with a monthly SIP that aligns with your disposable income.

A Certified Financial Planner can help calculate the exact amount based on expected market returns, inflation, and risk tolerance. However, for now, focus on maintaining a steady investment habit.

Other Investment Strategies

Diversification: It’s essential to have a well-diversified portfolio across asset classes and sectors. Avoid putting too much into sectoral or index funds, as they increase risk without necessarily improving returns.

Asset Allocation: Keep the majority of your portfolio in equity funds for growth. As you near retirement, you can gradually shift to debt funds for stability and lower risk.

Reviewing Regularly: Your portfolio should be reviewed at least once a year. Market conditions change, and so do your financial goals. Actively managed funds, when handled by a professional, will be adjusted accordingly.

Certified Financial Planner’s Role: Having a Certified Financial Planner to guide your investments ensures that your portfolio stays on track. They monitor your funds, suggest corrections, and ensure that your investments are aligned with your long-term goals.

Tax Implications

Equity Funds: Gains from equity mutual funds are taxed differently based on the duration of your holding. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt Funds: If you invest in debt funds, remember that both LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income tax slab. This could have a significant impact on your post-tax returns.

Final Insights

You are on the right track by focusing on mutual funds for retirement. However, I suggest shifting some of your current choices to more actively managed funds with a diversified approach.

Avoid sectoral and index funds as core investments. Focus on growth through equity funds, balancing risk with time and diversification.

SIPs are ideal for your long-term goal. Start with an amount that fits your financial capacity and review your progress regularly.

Consider working with a Certified Financial Planner to stay on track. They will ensure that your portfolio adapts to market conditions and your changing needs over time.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10194 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 11, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I'm 45 years and starting my MF investment journey, I've selected the below MFs to invest in from a view for my Retirement Planning, If I intend to build a corpus of 5 Cr by 60 yrs of age, are these the right MFs to go with, or do you suggest swapping these for any better ones, kindly suggest. Also can you pls suggest how much amount should I invest lumpsum and via SIPs in these? Thank You !! HDFC Retirement Savings Fund - Equity Plan - G 15yrs(lockin 5 years) Edelwiess Mid Cap Fund - G 12 yrs DSP Health Care Fund - G 10 yrs Bandhan Nifty Alpha 50 Index Fund - G 8 yrs ICICI Pru. Equity & Debt Fund - G - 6 yrs Kotak Low Duration 2 yrs
Ans: It's great to see that you're starting your investment journey at the age of 45. You have a well-thought-out goal of building a Rs. 5 crore corpus by the time you turn 60, and I appreciate the long-term perspective you've adopted.

Let’s dive into a detailed evaluation of the mutual funds you've selected and how they align with your retirement objective. I will also provide insights on how to balance your investments between lump sum and SIPs.

Portfolio Evaluation for Retirement Planning
HDFC Retirement Savings Fund - Equity Plan (15 Years, 5-Year Lock-In)

This fund provides a balanced approach to long-term equity growth with the added advantage of tax saving. However, since it has a five-year lock-in, it restricts flexibility.

Retirement-focused funds often come with higher charges, which may impact returns over the long term. You may want to explore alternatives that offer greater flexibility and lower costs.

It's important to understand that funds specifically marked for retirement often have restrictions on withdrawals, and while that helps you stay disciplined, other diversified equity funds can offer similar returns without the lock-in.

Edelweiss Mid Cap Fund (12 Years)

Mid-cap funds can offer strong growth potential. However, they come with higher volatility. Over a 12-year horizon, the performance can be impressive, but be prepared for periods of market swings.

You could include a diversified large- and mid-cap or flexi-cap fund to balance out the higher volatility associated with mid-caps. While mid-cap exposure is good for growth, diversification will add stability to your portfolio.

DSP Health Care Fund (10 Years)

Sectoral funds, such as healthcare, are typically more volatile and focused on specific sectors. Healthcare can be a long-term growth story, but it is subject to regulatory risks and industry-specific headwinds.

For retirement planning, a more diversified approach may yield better risk-adjusted returns. Instead of concentrating on a single sector, you may want to consider sector rotation or thematic funds that give exposure to broader growth themes.

Bandhan Nifty Alpha 50 Index Fund (8 Years)

Index funds, while low-cost, tend to deliver market-average returns. In this case, the Nifty Alpha 50 Index is based on stocks with strong alpha generation potential. However, index funds lack the active management that can help capture market opportunities and mitigate risks during downturns.

Actively managed funds, handled by experienced fund managers, can outperform during volatile markets and provide you with an opportunity for higher growth. While index funds are low-cost, you may not get the most out of your investment compared to an actively managed fund.

ICICI Prudential Equity & Debt Fund (6 Years)

Hybrid funds like this one balance the risk between equity and debt. They provide a cushion during market corrections due to their debt component while also participating in equity market growth.

For a retirement portfolio, hybrid funds offer a safer route but may not deliver the aggressive growth needed for a Rs. 5 crore corpus in 15 years. These can complement your portfolio, but you may need more equity-focused funds to meet your target.

Kotak Low Duration Fund (2 Years)

Low-duration funds are primarily suited for short-term goals or as a safe parking space for funds. These funds are not ideal for long-term wealth creation due to their limited growth potential.

For retirement planning, equity exposure is essential for generating inflation-beating returns. This fund could be part of your debt allocation, but for a 15-year horizon, you should prioritize equity-heavy investments.

Recommendations for Building a Rs. 5 Crore Corpus
Based on your age and time horizon, achieving Rs. 5 crore in 15 years is a reasonable and attainable goal with the right mix of investments.

Diversification: While you’ve picked a few good funds, the portfolio can benefit from broader diversification. Rather than sector-specific or index funds, consider a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds for more balanced growth.

Actively Managed Funds: Actively managed funds often provide higher returns than index funds, particularly in the long term. Fund managers can capitalize on market fluctuations and opportunities that passive index funds cannot.

Flexibility in Retirement Funds: A retirement-focused fund with a lock-in period may limit your options. Consider funds that offer flexibility in withdrawals and fund switches for greater control over your retirement assets.

Balanced Portfolio: A good retirement portfolio should have both equity and debt components, but you should tilt more towards equity for growth in the initial years and gradually increase debt allocation as you approach retirement.

Lump Sum vs. SIP Investments
For retirement planning, the most effective way to invest is a combination of lump sum and SIPs. Here’s how I would recommend you allocate:

SIP Investments: Allocate a larger portion (around 75-80%) of your monthly savings towards systematic investment plans (SIPs). SIPs are great for rupee-cost averaging and help reduce the impact of market volatility over time. For example, if you can invest Rs. 40,000 per month, start SIPs in a diversified portfolio of equity and hybrid funds.

Lump Sum Investments: If you have any surplus funds, invest them in lump sum during market corrections or dips. Lump sum investments can be deployed in balanced hybrid funds to reduce the risk of market timing.

Taxation Considerations
Equity Mutual Funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt Mutual Funds: LTCG and STCG are taxed according to your income tax slab.

You should also regularly review your investments to ensure you stay on track with your tax-saving strategies.

Suggested Action Plan
Start with SIPs: Begin monthly SIPs in a mix of diversified equity and hybrid funds, focusing on long-term growth.

Use Lump Sum Wisely: Invest any windfall gains or bonus amounts as lump sum during market corrections. Consider parking the lump sum in liquid funds temporarily and then moving it to equity funds.

Monitor and Review: Keep track of your portfolio’s performance and make adjustments based on market conditions, your changing financial needs, and tax implications.

Finally
Your goal of building a Rs. 5 crore corpus is achievable with disciplined and regular investments. By focusing on the right funds, balancing between equity and debt, and leveraging the power of SIPs, you will be able to create a strong retirement corpus.

I encourage you to stay invested for the long term, be consistent, and review your portfolio periodically. A well-diversified portfolio with a greater focus on equity will help you reach your financial goals with ease.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10194 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 20, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am 42 years old and started my MF journey last month's with below: SBI Long Term Equity Fund - Direa t Plan Growth - 3500 Nippon I dia Large Cap Fund - Direct Plan Growth - 3000 Nippon India Small Cap Fund - Direct Plan Growth - 3000 Quant Multi Asset Fund - Direct Plan Growth - 3500 Quant Small Cap Fund - Direct Plan Growth - 3000 Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund - Direct Plan - Growth - 4000 Just wanted to check with you, did I pick the right MF's for the sum of 2cr in 20 years? Please let me know if I need to change anything. Thank you in Advance.
Ans: You've made a strong start by investing in mutual funds. Allocating across different categories like large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap shows a balanced approach. It helps manage risk and offers growth potential. However, there are a few areas to assess further to align better with your goal of Rs. 2 crore in 20 years.

Let’s look at each aspect of your portfolio to see if it fits your long-term goal.

Large-Cap Investments
Nippon India Large Cap Fund (Rs. 3,000 SIP)
Large-cap funds invest in established companies. They are relatively stable and safer but might provide moderate returns compared to small and mid-caps. Given your 20-year horizon, large-cap funds will offer consistent returns but may not be enough to meet your aggressive Rs. 2 crore goal. You can maintain your large-cap exposure, but keep it as part of a broader strategy for stability.

Consider focusing more on actively managed large-cap funds. Direct plans may save on expense ratios but lack the active guidance that regular plans offer when investing through a certified financial planner. With professional advice, you can gain better insights into fund rebalancing and market shifts.

Small-Cap Investments
Nippon India Small Cap Fund (Rs. 3,000 SIP)
Quant Small Cap Fund (Rs. 3,000 SIP)
Your exposure to small-cap funds is good for high growth. These funds have the potential to generate superior returns over long periods. However, they can also be very volatile. As you aim for 20 years, the small-cap exposure might work well, but keep a close watch.

Too much reliance on small-cap funds can introduce higher risk. Diversifying with mid-caps and multi-asset funds can balance this. Also, actively managed small-cap funds perform better than index or direct funds. A certified financial planner can help in making necessary adjustments based on market trends.

Mid-Cap Investments
Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund (Rs. 4,000 SIP)
Mid-cap funds balance the volatility of small-caps with the stability of large-caps. They often offer higher returns than large-caps but with more risk. Your mid-cap allocation looks solid, and over 20 years, this portion of your portfolio can deliver strong results.

As with small-cap funds, it’s beneficial to invest in regular plans through a certified financial planner. Direct plans may seem cost-effective but miss out on professional advice. Regular fund plans offer rebalancing services that can enhance long-term growth.

Multi-Asset Investment
Quant Multi Asset Fund (Rs. 3,500 SIP)
Multi-asset funds provide diversification across asset classes such as equity, debt, and gold. These funds help reduce risk, especially in market downturns. Including this fund in your portfolio gives some balance to your more aggressive small and mid-cap funds.

However, ensure the fund is actively managed to respond to market conditions. You should evaluate whether this allocation will meet your Rs. 2 crore target or if you need to increase contributions over time.

ELSS/Tax-Saving Investments
SBI Long Term Equity Fund (Rs. 3,500 SIP)
This is an ELSS (Equity-Linked Savings Scheme) that offers tax benefits under Section 80C. ELSS funds typically invest in diversified equities and can provide high growth over the long term. The tax-saving aspect is good for overall financial planning, but don't rely solely on ELSS for reaching your Rs. 2 crore goal.

Consider increasing your exposure to growth-oriented equity funds while keeping ELSS as a tax-saving tool. Active management is also important here, as you may need to rebalance this portion based on the tax situation in the future.

Portfolio Diversification Assessment
You’ve covered different fund categories, but it’s important to diversify even further. Too much exposure to small-cap and mid-cap funds could increase your portfolio's volatility. You can look at the following:

Increase your contribution to large-cap or flexi-cap funds for stability.
Include more actively managed funds, as they offer dynamic strategies and professional guidance.
Consider regular plans instead of direct plans to access professional help. Certified financial planners can guide you in navigating different market conditions.
Importance of Rebalancing and Regular Review
A 20-year investment horizon requires regular portfolio reviews. As markets shift, your fund allocations may need adjustments. Relying on direct plans without professional oversight can lead to missed opportunities or overlooked risks.

Active rebalancing of your portfolio is essential to achieve your Rs. 2 crore goal. A certified financial planner can assist you in monitoring your portfolio and suggesting rebalancing at key intervals, maximizing growth potential.

Taxation Considerations
You should also consider the tax implications of mutual fund investments:

Equity Funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
Debt Funds: LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Be mindful of these taxation rules when planning your withdrawals or rebalancing your investments in the future.

Active vs Direct Funds
Direct funds may have lower costs, but they lack the crucial advantage of professional advice. Regular funds, when chosen with the help of a certified financial planner, provide personalized guidance. They can help you navigate market fluctuations, track performance, and recommend timely switches. Direct funds, though cheaper, can be inefficient without proper oversight.

By working with a certified financial planner, you’ll also get support with paperwork, tracking, and decision-making, which can be invaluable, especially during market volatility.

Reaching Rs. 2 Crore in 20 Years
Your current portfolio is a good start, but it needs fine-tuning:

Increase your allocation to large-cap and flexi-cap funds for stability.

Balance your small-cap exposure with more mid-cap or multi-cap funds.

Consider regular plans instead of direct plans to get professional guidance.

Keep an eye on tax-saving opportunities but don’t over-allocate to ELSS funds.

To reach Rs. 2 crore, you might also need to increase your SIP contributions over time. Regular reviews with a certified financial planner can help you stay on track, ensuring you meet your goal in 20 years.

Finally
Achieving Rs. 2 crore in 20 years is possible with consistent investing, proper fund selection, and active management. You have a solid start, but slight adjustments can improve your portfolio's potential. Regularly consult with a certified financial planner to ensure your strategy remains aligned with your long-term goals.

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  |9973 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 06, 2025

Career
For AI ML cource MSRIT best than BMSC?
Ans: Both MSRIT (Ramaiah Institute of Technology) and BMSCE (BMS College of Engineering) deliver leading B.E. programs in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, underpinned by NAAC A++ accreditation, reputed faculties, and strong placement cells in the heart of Bengaluru. MSRIT’s AI & ML department emphasizes deep AI/ML curriculum, experienced research-focused faculty, and active industry-academia collaboration. The course structure aligns closely with global AI trends and the department is led by senior professors with over two decades of research and practical experience. Placement outcomes in AI/ML at MSRIT consistently reach 85–90%, with student access to exclusive training, innovation labs, and upskilling events, producing well-rounded graduates. BMSCE’s AI & ML department similarly features a robust curriculum, highly qualified professors, and strong lab infrastructure—students praise the frequent curriculum updates, teaching quality, and placement support. Placement rates for AI/ML in BMSCE range around 80%, with leading recruiters such as Amazon, Bosch, TCS, and Deloitte. Both institutions offer comprehensive sports, hostel, and student life amenities, but student reviews indicate MSRIT has an edge in co-curricular exposure and research orientation, while BMSCE is lauded for broader core-CS foundations and slightly higher median compensation for some recent placements. Both ensure a rigorous academic environment and maintain excellent ties with top technology recruiters.

Recommendation: For those seeking focused expertise, cutting-edge research opportunities, and robust co-curricular engagement in AI & ML, MSRIT holds a marginal advantage, especially for passionate AI aspirants. BMSCE remains an excellent alternative, offering strong placements, industry links, and a broader foundational core, catering well to students seeking flexibility across computing domains. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 06, 2025

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Sir i have confusion nit surathkal cse(IS) vs mnnit cse for mtech. I completed btech cse from nit surat. Pl. advice
Ans: NIT Surathkal’s MTech in Computer Science and Engineering (Information Security) and MNNIT Allahabad’s MTech in Computer Science and Engineering are both highly reputable postgraduate programs, each offering distinct academic and career advantages. NIT Surathkal, consistently ranked within the top 20 engineering institutes in India, boasts a CSE department known for strong faculty research output, MoUs with industry leaders, and specialized infrastructure for computing and information security. The Information Security specialization comprehensively covers advanced topics like cryptography, network defenses, secure coding, and intrusion prevention, aligning with increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals. Surathkal’s recent placement records reflect an average package around ?12.45LPA, with leading national and global companies recruiting, and a vibrant campus life supported by state-of-the-art labs and strong alumni links.

MNNIT Allahabad is similarly renowned, with its CSE MTech placements averaging over ?28LPA for 2024 and near 100% placement in CSE branches, drawing top IT and product-based recruiters. Faculty are highly qualified, and the curriculum covers core and emerging CS areas including AI, data science, and information security, though some reviews note that infrastructure is slightly older compared to NIT Surathkal, and hostel amenities are more modest. MNNIT’s advantage lies in its strong placement ecosystem, higher recent CSE median package, and robust industry and alumni engagement, though both institutes have rigorous academics and proactive student communities.

Recommendation: Choose NIT Surathkal CSE (IS) for specialized training in information security, strong faculty research, and the advantage of continuity if you value cybersecurity or wish to continue within a familiar, research-driven environment. Opt for MNNIT CSE if your focus is on broader CS domains, maximizing placement statistics, or experiencing a different national campus ecosystem with very high placement and salary outcomes. Both are excellent, but NIT Surathkal may edge ahead for information security specialization and continuity, while MNNIT stands out for wider job prospects and the highest recent average package. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 06, 2025

Career
Sir my son allotted with Civil from YMCA Faridabad in defence category spot 1 round and Gurugram University he was allotted CS with AI. Kindly provide your valuable feedback at this juncture for further action can be taken.
Ans: Sunil, YMCA Faridabad’s Civil Engineering program is well-established, offering a recognized government degree, experienced faculty, and a large campus with comprehensive basic facilities, research labs, and an active placement cell. Its Civil placements in 2024 recorded a 39–70% rate, with strong alumni in construction, public sector, and infrastructure. However, student reviews highlight dated infrastructure and limited hostel options, though overall academic support and campus life are considered positive. Gurugram University’s CSE with AI specialization is relatively new but features a modern curriculum aligned with contemporary IT industry needs, AICTE approval, and well-qualified faculty guiding students in emerging technologies. The university boasts 75–85% placement rates for CSE/AI, with recruiters like TCS, Infosys, and Accenture, and offers a growing campus with decent facilities and an expanding student community. While Gurugram University is still developing its legacy and network, its CSE (AI) graduates are finding competitive IT roles, and the program supports industry-oriented learning and research.

Recommendation: Prioritize CSE with AI at Gurugram University for future-ready skills, higher placement rates, and better growth opportunities in the rapidly expanding tech sector. Choose YMCA Faridabad Civil only if your son has a keen interest in traditional civil engineering and prefers an established public university setting. CSE with AI offers broader career prospects in today’s market. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 06, 2025

Career
I got 3.5 lakh rank in jee mains and with ews i got 50000 I am currently in uptac Councling I got cse in Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, Lucknow Should i lock it or find different choice My budget is 6 lpa only What choices should be best for me uptac
Ans: Tiwari, With a JEE Main CRL of 3.5 lakh and EWS rank of 50,000, your access to top-tier government colleges is limited, but you are eligible for a range of private institutes through UPTAC. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University’s CSE program comes at an affordable fee of ?3.5–3.96 lakh, well within your ?6 lakh budget, and reports placement rates of about 65–70% with average offers around ?6LPA from companies such as Microsoft, HCL, and L&T. The university provides sound infrastructure, supportive faculty, and modern labs, but is relatively new to the technical scene, so industry connections are still developing. Comparable options like ABES, KIET, Galgotias, and AKGEC Ghaziabad offer similar or slightly higher placement statistics and are within your budget, with comprehensive campus facilities and strong placement cells; however, cut-offs for CSE in these colleges for EWS typically close below 45–50K, making it difficult but not impossible to secure a seat. Lower fee colleges like DEI Agra or LIT Lucknow feature even more affordable tuition but may have less robust placement records for CSE.

Recommendation: Lock your CSE seat at Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University for budget-friendly fees and reasonable campus placements, while keeping an eye on spot/next-round UPTAC vacancies at institutes like ABES, KIET, or Galgotias if available at your rank. This strategy ensures an accredited degree, campus support, and solid return on investment within your specified fee limit. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9973 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 06, 2025

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