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High monthly savings - How should I invest for the next 10-15 years?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9252 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 19, 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
Choudhary Question by Choudhary on Nov 18, 2024Hindi
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Hello, I have a saving of 2 lacks per month after expenses. Can you suggest me investment plan for next 10-15years. My age is 37.

Ans: Assessment of Current Situation
You save Rs 2 lakhs monthly. This is a significant surplus.
At 37 years of age, you have a long investment horizon of 10-15 years.
This is a prime period for wealth creation, leveraging compounding.
Let us explore a detailed 360-degree investment strategy for you.

1. Set Clear Financial Goals
Define goals like retirement, children’s education, or a dream home.
Split these into short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals.
This ensures clarity in investment allocation.

2. Build a Safety Net
Keep 6-12 months' worth of expenses in an emergency fund.
Invest this in a liquid mutual fund for accessibility and safety.
This fund acts as a buffer for unexpected situations.

3. Start with Health and Life Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health insurance for your family.
Opt for a term insurance policy with a high sum assured.
This safeguards your dependents financially.

4. Diversify into Equity Mutual Funds
Allocate 60-70% of your savings to equity mutual funds.
Choose actively managed funds for higher potential returns.
Actively managed funds are better for market outperformance compared to index funds.

5. Opt for Regular Mutual Funds via an MFD
Investing through a certified financial planner provides guidance.
MFDs track your portfolio performance and offer timely advice.
Direct funds lack this expert oversight, increasing risks for DIY investors.

6. Focus on Debt Mutual Funds for Stability
Allocate 20-30% to debt funds for stable returns.
Use these for medium-term goals or to rebalance your portfolio.
Debt funds provide stability against market volatility.

7. Explore International Equity Funds
Allocate 10-15% of your savings to international equity funds.
They provide global diversification and hedge against currency fluctuations.
This ensures your portfolio grows beyond Indian markets.

8. Avoid Investment-Cum-Insurance Policies
If you hold ULIPs or traditional LIC policies, consider surrendering them.
Reinvest the proceeds into mutual funds for better returns.
Separate insurance from investments for clarity and efficiency.

9. Tax Planning with Investments
Use ELSS funds for tax-saving under Section 80C.
Review LTCG and STCG taxes when redeeming mutual funds.
Plan investments to optimise taxes while achieving growth.

10. Invest Gradually via SIPs and STPs
Start systematic investment plans (SIPs) in equity funds.
Use systematic transfer plans (STPs) to move funds from debt to equity.
This approach mitigates risk and averages out costs.

11. Monitor and Rebalance Portfolio Regularly
Review your portfolio every 6-12 months with a CFP.
Rebalance when asset allocations deviate significantly.
This ensures your investments stay aligned with goals.

12. Avoid Common Pitfalls
Don’t invest heavily in speculative assets like cryptocurrencies.
Avoid over-diversification, which dilutes returns.
Stick to disciplined investing and avoid impulsive decisions.

13. Leverage Compounding Benefits
Reinvest all dividends and capital gains.
Compounding works best over long investment horizons.
Patience and consistency are key for wealth creation.

14. Track Expenses and Increase Savings Rate
Regularly review your expenses to increase savings.
Direct additional savings to investments for faster wealth growth.
Every extra rupee invested accelerates financial independence.

15. Have a Comprehensive Retirement Plan
Use equity for long-term growth and debt for stability.
Create a corpus that supports your lifestyle post-retirement.
Start early to take advantage of your earning years.

Final Insights
Your consistent savings of Rs 2 lakhs monthly is a great starting point. By following a balanced, goal-oriented approach, you can achieve significant financial milestones in 10-15 years. Regular monitoring, disciplined investing, and expert guidance ensure sustained growth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9252 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 27, 2024

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Hello . Pl. Give me good plan for investment. In mutual fund.
Ans: Understanding your financial goals is crucial. You need to determine your investment horizon, risk tolerance, and future financial needs.

Benefits of Mutual Fund SIPs
Rupee Cost Averaging: SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly. This reduces the impact of market volatility.

Discipline: Investing regularly instils financial discipline. It ensures consistent saving and investing.

Affordable: SIPs can start with small amounts. This makes them accessible for all investors.

Portfolio Diversification
Large-Cap Funds: These funds invest in well-established companies. They provide stability and moderate growth.

Mid-Cap Funds: Mid-cap funds invest in medium-sized companies. They offer higher growth potential with moderate risk.

Small-Cap Funds: These funds invest in smaller companies. They are high-risk but can offer high returns.

Aggressive Hybrid Funds: These funds balance equity and debt. They provide growth and reduce risk.

Avoid Index Funds
Actively Managed Funds: Actively managed funds can outperform index funds. Fund managers make strategic decisions to maximise returns.

Adaptive Strategy: Actively managed funds adapt to market changes. This flexibility can lead to better performance.

Consider Direct vs. Regular Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Lack of Guidance: Direct funds do not provide expert advice. You may miss out on strategic insights.

Better Service: Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures regular reviews and professional guidance.

Investment Strategy
1. Set Clear Goals:

Define your short-term and long-term financial goals.

Determine the amount needed and the timeline.

2. Start SIPs in Diversified Funds:

Allocate funds across large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and aggressive hybrid funds.

Ensure a balanced mix to optimise growth and manage risk.

3. Regular Review:

Review your portfolio every six months.

Adjust your investments based on performance and market conditions.

4. Emergency Fund:

Keep an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. This prevents dipping into your investments.
5. Tax Planning:

Invest in tax-saving mutual funds to reduce your tax liability.
Additional Strategies
Professional Guidance: Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalised advice. They help tailor your investments to your financial goals.

Long-Term Perspective: Focus on long-term growth. Avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.

Discipline and Patience: Stick to your investment plan. Regular investing and patience are key to achieving your financial goals.

Final Insights
Investing in mutual funds through SIPs is a smart strategy. It provides disciplined investing, reduces risk, and ensures consistent growth. Diversify your portfolio across different fund categories and seek professional guidance for optimal results.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9252 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 02, 2024

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Hello Sir my age 40 till now i am not having any savings my monthly salary 15000/- can you help me out for investing
Ans: Financial Assessment

Your monthly salary is Rs. 15,000.
You have no savings at age 40.
Starting to save now is very important.

Budgeting

Make a list of all your monthly expenses.
Find areas where you can cut back.
Try to save at least 10% of your income.

Emergency Fund

Start building an emergency fund first.
Aim for 3-6 months of expenses.
Keep this money in a savings account.

Insurance

Get a term life insurance policy.
Health insurance is also very important.
These protect your family from financial troubles.

Small Savings

Start with small, regular savings.
Even Rs. 500-1000 per month can make a difference.
Increase the amount as your income grows.

Investment Options

Mutual funds can be good for long-term growth.
Start with balanced or conservative funds.
Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner.

Retirement Planning

It's not too late to start planning for retirement.
Even small amounts invested regularly can grow over time.
Consider PPF or NPS for tax benefits.

Skill Enhancement

Look for ways to increase your income.
Learn new skills that can help you earn more.
This can help you save and invest more.

Debt Management

Avoid taking high-interest loans.
If you have debts, make a plan to pay them off.
Clearing debts is as important as saving.

Regular Review

Check your budget and savings every month.
Adjust your plan as your situation changes.
Stay committed to your financial goals.

Finally

It's great that you want to start saving.
Be patient and consistent with your efforts.
Small steps now can lead to big results later.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9252 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 14, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi , my monthly income is 1lac rupees, pls suggest an investment plan so that I can secure my future. I am 36 yrs old.
Ans: You have taken the first step towards a secure future. With your monthly income of Rs 1 lakh and age of 36 years, you can build a solid foundation for the future. Here is a detailed investment plan, explained simply for you. Let’s get started.

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Assessing Your Financial Position

At 36 years, you have many working years ahead. This is a good sign.

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Your income of Rs 1 lakh is good. It allows you to save well.

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Look at your expenses. See how much you can save every month.

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Aim to save at least 30% of your income. That is around Rs 30,000 monthly.

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If you have loans, pay them on time. Reduce high-interest loans first.

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Keep an emergency fund. It should be 6 to 12 months of expenses.

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Emergency fund should be in a safe place. A liquid fund or savings account is good.

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Setting Clear Goals

Write down your life goals. List them clearly.

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Short-term goals are for 1-3 years. Like buying a car or a trip.

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Medium-term goals are for 3-7 years. Like buying a house or children’s education.

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Long-term goals are for 10 years or more. Like retirement or children’s marriage.

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This will help you see how much money you need for each goal.

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Protecting Your Family First

First step is to have health insurance. This keeps you safe from medical costs.

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Health insurance for yourself and family is very important. Choose a good sum assured.

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You must also have life insurance. Use only term insurance for this.

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Term insurance covers your family if something happens to you.

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Avoid plans like ULIPs, endowment, or money-back. They mix insurance and investment.

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Mixing insurance and investment reduces returns. It is not good for long term.

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Building an Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is very important. Keep 6-12 months of expenses.

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This money should be easy to take out. Use liquid mutual funds or savings account.

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It helps in job loss, medical need, or big expenses.

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Retirement Planning

Retirement is a big goal. Start saving early for it.

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Use mutual funds for retirement. They grow well over time.

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Start SIPs in good equity mutual funds. SIPs are monthly investments.

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SIPs help you invest small amounts every month. They also reduce market ups and downs.

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When you start early, you use the power of compounding. Money grows faster.

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Investing in Equity Mutual Funds

Equity mutual funds invest in companies. They help you grow your money.

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Choose funds that are well-managed. Good fund managers do better research.

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Equity mutual funds can be risky in short term. But they give good returns in long term.

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If you invest for 7-10 years or more, you will see better results.

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Why Not Index Funds

Index funds follow the market index. They do not have active fund managers.

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Index funds copy the index. They do not adjust to market changes.

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When markets fall, index funds also fall. No manager to reduce losses.

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Actively managed funds have expert fund managers. They find good stocks.

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Actively managed funds try to give better returns than index funds.

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Debt Mutual Funds for Stability

Debt mutual funds invest in safe bonds. They give stable returns.

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Use them for short-term and medium-term goals. Less risk than equity funds.

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Debt mutual funds are good for 1-3 years needs.

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They are better than bank FDs for short term. But they have some market risks.

?

Taxation on debt funds is based on your income tax slab.

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Asset Allocation Strategy

Don’t put all money in equity. Mix with debt funds for balance.

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For long term, more money can go to equity mutual funds. Around 60-70% of your savings.

?

For medium term, mix of 40-60% equity and 40-60% debt is better.

?

For short term, more debt funds. Keep equity at 20% or less.

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This mix helps to reduce risk. Also, gives good growth.

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SIP – The Best Way to Invest

SIP is Systematic Investment Plan. You invest a fixed amount every month.

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SIP is easy. No need to worry about market ups and downs.

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SIP brings discipline. It is a habit of saving and investing.

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It helps you average out the cost of investment.

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Reviewing Your Investments

Review your investments once every year. Not every month.

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See if you are moving towards your goals.

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If needed, change your SIP amount. Or change the asset mix.

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Stay invested for long term. Do not stop SIPs when markets fall.

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Tax Planning

Mutual funds have different taxes. Know them to plan well.

?

For equity funds, if you sell after 1 year, gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

?

If you sell before 1 year, gains are taxed at 20%.

?

For debt mutual funds, gains are taxed as per your income slab.

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Use ELSS funds to save tax under 80C. They are equity funds with 3 years lock-in.

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Do not invest in tax-saving just for saving tax. See if it matches your goals.

?

Disadvantages of Direct Mutual Funds

Direct mutual funds have no advisor to guide you.

?

Without advice, you may choose wrong funds. Or wrong asset mix.

?

A Certified Financial Planner can guide you. They suggest funds for your needs.

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They help you with tax planning and reviews.

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Investing through a mutual fund distributor with a CFP can be better.

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Investment Through Regular Plans

Regular plans have a small cost. But give you expert advice.

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They help you avoid mistakes. This saves you more money in long term.

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Your Certified Financial Planner also helps with paperwork and claims.

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Avoiding Common Mistakes

Many people stop investing when markets fall. This is a mistake.

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Some people invest in too many funds. This creates confusion.

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Keep 4-5 good funds for your goals. No need for more.

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Do not invest because someone else does. Your needs are different.

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Avoid insurance plans that promise returns. They give low returns and high costs.

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Regular Tracking of Progress

Once a year, meet your Certified Financial Planner.

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Discuss if your goals have changed. Like new child, or new house.

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Adjust your plan if needed. Keep it updated.

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Financial Discipline

Keep track of your expenses. Reduce unnecessary costs.

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Avoid loans for wants. Use loans only for needs.

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Increase your SIP when your income grows.

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Keep investing even when markets fall. This brings good returns in future.

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Final Insights

At 36 years, you have time on your side. This is your biggest asset.

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Keep a good balance of equity and debt. Do not put all money in one place.

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Protect your family with term insurance and health insurance.

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Use SIPs in well-managed mutual funds. This gives you growth and peace of mind.

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Work with a Certified Financial Planner. They can help you at every step.

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Avoid mixing insurance and investments. Keep them separate.

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Review your investments regularly. Adjust as your life changes.

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Keep your mind calm. Do not panic when markets go down.

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Follow these steps with discipline. You will see a secure future.

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Stay patient and consistent. Your efforts will reward you.

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Best Regards,

?

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

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Sir, my son seems to have missed IITs or NITs this year although we are participating in the Josaa rounds. His CRL - 63337 in Mains & 25506 rank - Advance. He wants to pursue either ECE, CSE, DS-AI, EEE, EE etc..We will also participate in MHCET cap rounds however the rounds are delayed. His MHCET peecentile is 99.18. We will try for the best colleges in Maharashtra as we are from Mumbai General Open category. We also have a confirmed seat of CSE - VIT Chennai in hand however my son does not have more inclination to study in VIT. Sir, now my question is whether he can give Jee Mains & Advance in 2026 again without considering a drop. He will join a college this year based on CAP rounds but will forego his 1 yr in case he gets through next year. So whether this is possible Sir? If not, then he will continue his degree with the college which he takes this year.
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recommendation: Enroll through Maharashtra CAP to secure admission this year while registering for JEE Main and Advanced 2026, balancing college commitments with a structured prep schedule and clear target milestones to maximize re-attempt success. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Dear Sir, Between IIIT Dharwad CSE and Thapar college CSE, which option would be better
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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 27, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 26, 2025Hindi
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Hello sir, chemical engineering in NIT allahabad or ECE in igdtuw delhi. Which one is better? Please suggest.
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recommendation: Choose Chemical Engineering at NIT Allahabad if you prefer a nationally reputed institute with a strong legacy, diverse opportunities, and excellent placements in core and interdisciplinary sectors. Opt for ECE at IGDTUW if you value a women-centric, urban campus with a tech-focused curriculum and strong placement outcomes in electronics, IT, and allied industries. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Sir my daughter got seat in BTech Computer Engineering in Thaper Patiala and Scaler school of technology. Which would we prefer.
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