Long term investor seeks guidance on HDFC Bank and HDFC Housing Finance merger impact on cost price

Ans: Hi Palak
With 93.8 percentile (OBC-NCL, Female category) in JEE Mains, your approximate CRL Rank would be around 65,000 - 70,000, and your OBC-NCL Rank would be around 15,000 - 18,000.

Possible Colleges for ECE/Electrical:
Good chances in:
Lower NITs (like NIT Mizoram, NIT Meghalaya, NIT Sikkim, NIT Nagaland)
IIITs (IIIT Ranchi, IIIT Bhagalpur, etc.)

GFTIs (e.g., Assam University, Gurukula Kangri, etc.)

State Engineering Colleges (through home state quota)
Borderline chances in:
Mid-tier NITs (like NIT Raipur, NIT Jamshedpur, etc., in later rounds like CSAB)

Ans: Hello Sushma Ji
Based on the JEE Main cutoff trends for NIT Surathkal's Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) program, securing admission with a 92.18 percentile in the OBC-NCL category appears challenging. Historically, the closing ranks for OBC-NCL candidates have been significantly higher. For instance, in 2024, the closing rank for OBC-NCL candidates in CSE was 701 , and in 2023, it was 1483 for female candidates.?

Given these trends, it's advisable to consider alternative NITs or engineering institutes where the cutoff ranks align more closely with your daughter's percentile. Exploring other reputable institutions with CSE programs may increase her chances of securing admission.?

Ans: hi
With 84 percentile in JEE Mains (OBC category), getting ECE in NITs will be challenging for NITs. However, you may have a chance in lower NITs or North Eastern NITs through Home State Quota or Special Rounds (CSAB).

Ans: Yes, Salary (including bonus) is taxable even if same is not received. There is a concept of ACCRUAL in the income tax based on which it will taxable in FY 24-25

Ans: Hello Dear.
You already know that admission to these institutes is based on the JEE (Adv) score. Try to aim a rank around or below 1000 for a sure shot admission to these IITs. Best of luck for your upcoming JEE (Adv) examination. Thanks
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Radheshyam

Ans: If he has coronary artery aneurysms then he needs regular echocardiograms and follow up with a pediatric cardiologist till the aneurysms regress. Till that happens, he is at a risk for myocardial infarctions hence will require lifestyle changes. Most aneurysms regress after a year. But follow ups will be required for some years as will be advised by the cardiologist

Ans: Diversifying into international stocks and alternative assets can be a strategic move, especially given your experience in financial analysis and investment planning. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits and risks of each approach:
International Stocks
Benefits are as follows:
- Diversification – Investing globally reduces dependence on domestic market conditions and spreads risk
- Access to High-Growth Markets – Some international markets, particularly emerging economies, may offer higher growth potential.
- Currency Appreciation – If the foreign currency strengthens against the INR, your returns could increase.
- Exposure to Leading Industries – Developed markets like the U.S. provide access to top tech, healthcare, and finance companies.

Risks involved in international markets are as follows:
- Currency Fluctuations – Exchange rate volatility can impact returns.
- Political & Economic Risks – Foreign regulations, trade policies, and economic instability can affect investments.
- Higher Transaction Costs – International investing often involves additional fees and taxes.
- Limited Information Access – Researching foreign companies may be more challenging compared to domestic firms.

Alternative Assets (Real Estate, Commodities, Private Equity, etc.)
Following are the benefits:
- Low Correlation with Stock Markets – Alternative assets often move independently of traditional markets, helping mitigate volatility.
- Inflation Hedge – Real assets like gold and real estate tend to retain value during inflationary periods.
- Potential for High Returns – Private equity and hedge funds can offer substantial gains if managed well.
- Portfolio Customization – Some alternative investments allow direct control, such as real estate or private businesses.

Risks involved are as follows:
- Illiquidity – Many alternative assets, such as private equity and real estate, are not easily sold.
- Complexity – These investments often require specialized knowledge and due diligence.
- Higher Fees – Alternative investments may have higher management costs and entry barriers.
- Market Uncertainty – Some assets, like cryptocurrencies, can be highly volatile.

Given your methodical approach to financial planning, you might find international ETFs a convenient way to gain global exposure while managing risk. Similarly, REITs or commodity funds could be a structured way to enter alternative assets without direct ownership complexities.

Ans: Your financial position is strong. You have a steady pension and rental income. Your investments are diversified across FDs, mutual funds, equity, and gold bonds. Let’s allocate your Rs. 25L wisely.

Emergency Fund Allocation
Keep Rs. 5L in a high-interest savings account.

Use a liquid mutual fund for another Rs. 3L for easy access.

This ensures quick access to funds in case of unexpected expenses.

Debt Investment for Stability
Invest Rs. 7L in a mix of short-term and medium-term debt mutual funds.

These offer better post-tax returns than FDs.

Choose high-quality funds with stable performance.

Equity Investment for Growth
Allocate Rs. 5L to large-cap mutual funds via SIP.

This ensures gradual market participation and reduces risk.

Avoid direct stocks for this amount, as mutual funds offer better risk management.

Gold Investment for Inflation Hedge
You already have Rs. 12L in Sovereign Gold Bonds.

No additional gold investment is needed.

Regular Income Investment
Invest Rs. 5L in SWP-based mutual funds for periodic withdrawals.

This provides additional income while keeping capital appreciation intact.

Final Insights
Your current portfolio is well-structured. This allocation balances liquidity, stability, and growth. Your pension and rental income provide financial security. Diversifying your Rs. 25L ensures better returns while maintaining risk control.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Investing in large-cap mutual funds through SIP is a stable choice. These funds focus on established companies with strong financials. They offer consistent growth with lower risk compared to mid-cap and small-cap funds.

Let’s assess how to select the right fund.

Why Large-Cap Funds for Five Years?
Invest in top companies with proven stability.

Less volatile than mid-cap and small-cap funds.

Suitable for a five-year investment horizon.

Provide inflation-beating returns over time.

Ideal for steady compounding with SIP investments.

Actively Managed vs. Index Funds
Actively managed funds outperform index funds in varying market conditions.

Fund managers adjust portfolios based on market trends.

Index funds only replicate the market and cannot outperform it.

Actively managed funds provide better downside protection.

For five-year investments, active management ensures stable performance.

Choosing the Right Fund
Look for funds with a history of stable returns.

Ensure the fund has an experienced fund manager.

Avoid funds with frequent manager changes.

Select funds with lower expense ratios among actively managed ones.

Check the rolling returns of the fund, not just past performance.

Tax Considerations
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains (STCG) taxed at 20%.

SIP investments held for over one year qualify for LTCG benefits.

Plan withdrawals strategically to reduce tax burden.

Final Insights
Large-cap mutual funds are suitable for stable returns over five years. They balance risk and reward effectively. Choose an actively managed fund with strong historical performance. Stay invested with SIPs for disciplined wealth creation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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