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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 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 - Apr 12, 2024Hindi
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Hello, I want to review my portfolio.Also want to add 3000 more sip should I add new fund or increase in existing funds. Current portfolio. Parag pareg flexi cap-7500 Hdfc index sensex plan-7500 Nippon small cap-4500 Tata small cap-2500 Kotak emerging equity -7500 Investment horizon -15 years

Ans: Let's take a look at your portfolio and see how it aligns with your 15-year investment horizon.

Overall Assessment:

Diversification: You have a good mix of funds across market capitalizations (Flexi-cap, Large-cap, Mid-cap, Small-cap). This helps spread risk.

Actively Managed vs. Passively Managed: You have a mix of actively managed funds (Parag Parekh Flexi Cap, Nippon Small Cap, Tata Small Cap, Kotak Emerging Equity) and a passively managed index fund (HDFC Index Sensex Plan).

Actively managed funds: These involve higher fees but have the potential for higher returns than the market.

Index Funds: Aim to replicate a market index and offer lower fees but typically match market returns.

Considering Your 15-Year Horizon:

Long-Term Focus: A 15-year timeframe allows you to ride out market fluctuations and potentially benefit from the power of compounding.

Higher Risk Tolerance: Since you're comfortable with actively managed funds, you can potentially handle some risk for higher returns.

Optimizing Your SIP Strategy (?3000):

Increase Existing Funds: Consider increasing your SIP amounts proportionately across your existing actively managed funds to maintain diversification and benefit from their growth potential.

Adding a New Fund (Optional): If you want to add another fund, look for a Large-cap or Flexi-cap fund to further diversify and provide stability. Actively managed funds come with higher fees compared to passively managed funds.

Remember:

Review Regularly: Periodically review your portfolio (at least annually) to ensure it aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.

Professional Guidance: A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can offer personalized advice based on your risk profile, goals, and overall financial situation.

You've built a good foundation! By potentially increasing your SIPs in existing funds or strategically adding a new fund, you can aim to grow your corpus over the next 15 years. A CFP can help you fine-tune your strategy for long-term success.

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 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 12, 2024Hindi
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I'm 30 years old, my monthly SIP amount is Rs.10000/Month (Nifty50 - 5000/-, Quant Infra MF - 3000/- & Nippon Small cap MF - 2000/-). I'm planning to increase my SIP from next year from 10k to 15K/ month in below funds: ICICI Nifty50 MF - 5000/- Paragh Parikh Flexi Cab Fund- 3000/- Quant infrastructure MF - 4000/- Nippon India Small cap MF - 3000/- Please review & kindly give me some suggestions on my current portfolio & future portfolio if anything needs to be modified or not. ????
Ans: Your current SIP allocation shows a well-diversified portfolio across different market segments, including large-cap, flexi cap, infrastructure, and small-cap funds. Here's a review of your current portfolio and suggestions for your future portfolio:

Review of Current Portfolio
Nifty50 Fund (Rs. 5000/month): This fund provides exposure to the top 50 companies listed on the NSE, offering stability and growth potential. It serves as a core holding in your portfolio, providing diversification across large-cap stocks.

Quant Infra MF (Rs. 3000/month): Infrastructure funds invest in companies involved in infrastructure development, such as construction, energy, and transportation. This sectoral allocation adds diversification but can be volatile due to sector-specific risks.

Nippon Small Cap MF (Rs. 2000/month): Small-cap funds focus on small-sized companies with high growth potential. They offer the opportunity for significant returns but come with higher risk due to the volatility associated with small-cap stocks.

Suggestions for Current Portfolio
1. Diversification: Your current portfolio is well-diversified across different market segments, which is commendable. However, ensure that you regularly review your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation and risk profile.

2. Risk Management: Small-cap and infrastructure funds can be more volatile than large-cap or flexi cap funds. Consider your risk tolerance and investment horizon when allocating funds to these sectors.

3. Performance Monitoring: Keep track of the performance of each fund in your portfolio. Regularly review their performance against relevant benchmarks and peer group funds to ensure they are meeting your investment objectives.

Future Portfolio Suggestions
ICICI Nifty50 MF (Rs. 5000/month): Continuing your investment in a Nifty50 fund is a prudent choice, providing exposure to large-cap stocks and stability to your portfolio.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund (Rs. 3000/month): Flexi cap funds offer flexibility to invest across market capitalizations based on market conditions. This fund adds diversification and growth potential to your portfolio.

Quant Infrastructure MF (Rs. 4000/month): Consider whether you want to maintain the same allocation to infrastructure or if you prefer reallocating some funds to other sectors based on your risk-return preferences.

Nippon India Small Cap MF (Rs. 3000/month): Small-cap funds can offer high growth potential, but they come with higher risk. Evaluate your risk tolerance and consider whether you want to maintain exposure to small-cap stocks or reallocate funds to other sectors.

Conclusion
Your current portfolio shows a thoughtful allocation across different market segments, balancing growth potential with risk management. As you plan to increase your SIP amount from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000 per month, consider reviewing your asset allocation and risk tolerance to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and investment horizon.

Regularly monitor the performance of your funds and make adjustments to your portfolio as needed. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide personalized guidance and help you make informed decisions about your investments.

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 04, 2024

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Age 37, investing from last 1 year.I want to review my portfolio.Also want to add 5000 more sip should I add new fund or increase in existing funds. Current portfolio. Parag pareg flexi cap-7500 Hdfc index sensex plan-7500 Nippon small cap-4500 Tata small cap-2500 Kotak emerging equity -7500 Investment horizon -12+ years
Ans: Considering your investment horizon and existing portfolio, here are some suggestions for reviewing and potentially adding SIP:

Portfolio Review:
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap: Continue holding as it offers diversification across market segments.
HDFC Index Sensex Plan: Since it's an index fund, it provides stability and diversification. Consider reviewing its performance relative to its benchmark.
Nippon Small Cap and Tata Small Cap: Small-cap funds are volatile but have potential for high returns. Monitor their performance closely.
Kotak Emerging Equity: Evaluate its performance and consistency compared to peer funds in the same category.
Adding Rs 5,000 more SIP:
Consider adding to existing funds to maintain portfolio diversity and avoid overconcentration.
Since you already have exposure to small-cap and flexi-cap funds, you may consider adding to a large-cap or mid-cap fund to further diversify your portfolio.
Alternatively, you could explore adding a multi-cap fund to gain exposure across different market segments within a single fund.
New Fund vs. Existing Funds:
Assess the performance and potential of your existing funds before deciding to add to them.
If you're satisfied with the performance of your current funds and believe they still have growth potential, consider increasing your SIP amounts in them.
However, if you're looking to further diversify or explore new investment opportunities, adding a new fund with a different investment objective or strategy could be beneficial.
Consultation:
Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to review your portfolio and receive personalized advice tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Regularly reviewing your portfolio and making adjustments as needed will help ensure that your investments remain aligned with your long-term financial objectives.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 2024

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Age 37, investing from last 1 year.I want to review my portfolio.Also want to add 5000 more sip should I add new fund or increase in existing funds. Current portfolio. Parag pareg flexi cap-7500 Hdfc index sensex plan-7500 Nippon small cap-4500 Tata small cap-2500 Kotak emerging equity -7500 Investment horizon -12+ years
Ans: It's great that you're taking proactive steps to review your portfolio. Here are some suggestions:

Reviewing Portfolio: Assess the performance of your current investments in line with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Look at factors such as returns, volatility, and alignment with your investment objectives.
Adding SIP: Adding to your SIP is a good idea to continue growing your investment portfolio. Whether to add to existing funds or introduce a new one depends on various factors such as diversification, risk appetite, and investment strategy.
Considerations for Adding SIP:
Existing Funds: If you're satisfied with the performance and believe in the long-term potential of your current funds, consider increasing your SIP amounts in these funds to maintain consistency.
New Fund: Introducing a new fund can enhance diversification and potentially tap into different market segments or asset classes. Look for a fund that complements your existing holdings and aligns with your investment goals.
Diversification: Ensure your portfolio is well-diversified across different asset classes, sectors, and market capitalizations to manage risk effectively. Avoid over-concentration in any single fund or asset category.
Risk Management: Evaluate the risk profile of each fund and ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance. Small-cap funds, for example, typically carry higher volatility compared to large-cap or flexi-cap funds.
Investment Horizon: With a long-term investment horizon of 12+ years, you have the advantage of riding out market fluctuations. Consider funds with strong fundamentals and growth potential to maximize returns over the long term.
Professional Advice: Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your financial situation and goals. They can help assess your portfolio, recommend adjustments, and ensure it remains aligned with your objectives.
Remember to regularly monitor your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed to keep it on track towards your financial goals.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 28, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 27, 2024Hindi
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Please review my SIP portfolio - HDFC Retirement fund 10K pm ICICI Retirement fund 10K pm UTI Mutual Fund UTI Mid Cap Fund - Regular Plan 5k pm SUNDARAM LARGE AND MID CAP FUND - REGULAR GROWTH 5k pm Union Children's fund 10k pm Aditya Birla Sun Life Multi-Cap Fund Regular Growth 10k pm Samco Flexi Cap Fund - 10k pm Union Innovation and Opportunities Fund - Regular Growth - 10k pm Parag Parikh Flexicap 2k pm Parag Parikh Dynamic asset allocation fund 5k pm Bank of India Manufacturing and Infrastructure fund 10k pm ULIP Plan (midcap momentum fund) - 5k pm HDFC Large cap and mid cap - IDCW - 500 rs pm Intention is to invest and hold for 15 more years. What changes do I bring in?
Ans: Understanding Your Investment Goals
You have a well-structured SIP portfolio with a diverse range of mutual funds and plans. Your goal is to invest and hold for 15 more years, which is a commendable strategy for long-term wealth creation. The mix of funds you've chosen indicates a balanced approach towards growth and security.

Assessment of Current Portfolio
Your portfolio consists of various mutual funds, including retirement funds, mid-cap, large-cap, multi-cap, and sector-specific funds. This diversity helps in spreading risk across different sectors and market capitalizations. Investing Rs. 10,000 per month in each of the retirement funds is a sound decision, as these funds are designed to provide stability and growth over the long term.

Evaluating Fund Types
You have included mid-cap and large-cap funds, which offer growth potential and relative stability. Mid-cap funds are known for their high growth potential but come with higher volatility. Large-cap funds provide stability and consistent returns over time. Your investment in multi-cap and flexi-cap funds ensures flexibility in adjusting the portfolio according to market conditions.

Regular vs. Direct Funds
You have opted for regular plans instead of direct funds, which is beneficial. Regular funds come with the advantage of professional advice and management. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you make informed decisions and provide insights that are not easily accessible through direct funds.

Sector-Specific Investments
Your portfolio includes sector-specific funds like the manufacturing and infrastructure fund. These funds can provide high returns when their respective sectors perform well. However, they also come with higher risk if the sector faces downturns. Balancing these with more stable funds is a good strategy.

Child-Specific Investments
Investing in a children's fund is a thoughtful decision. These funds are designed to provide long-term growth and cater to future educational and other needs of your children. Ensuring a regular investment in these funds will secure your child's future financial needs.

ULIP and Retirement Funds
Your inclusion of a ULIP plan with a mid-cap momentum fund and various retirement funds shows a balanced approach. ULIPs combine insurance with investment, providing dual benefits. However, they often come with higher charges. Evaluating the performance and costs associated with ULIPs regularly is essential.

Reviewing Fund Performance
Regularly review the performance of your funds. Compare their returns with benchmark indices and peer funds. This helps in identifying underperforming funds and making necessary adjustments.

Risk Management
Your portfolio shows a balanced approach to risk with investments in large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds. Adding dynamic asset allocation funds helps in adjusting the portfolio according to market conditions, further managing risk effectively.

Recommendations for Portfolio Enhancement
Maintain Portfolio Balance: Ensure a mix of equity and debt funds to balance risk and return. Consider including more dynamic asset allocation funds if market volatility increases.

Monitor Sector Exposure: Regularly review sector-specific funds to avoid overexposure to any single sector. Diversify further if necessary.

Evaluate ULIP Performance: Regularly assess the performance and charges associated with ULIPs. Ensure they align with your financial goals.

Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated with market trends and seek professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner to make informed decisions.

Flexibility in Investments: Be open to adjusting your portfolio based on market conditions and life changes. Regularly rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation.

Appreciating Your Strategy
Your approach to long-term investment through SIPs is commendable. Regular investments and a diversified portfolio are key to achieving financial stability and growth. Your thoughtful inclusion of children's funds and retirement plans shows a strong commitment to securing your family's future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..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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