24-Year-Old Investor: Seeking Advice on SIP, SGB, and Mutual Fund Choices

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
You are definitely not overreacting and your friends might be on to something. I am not going to go as far as emotional manipulation but it is definitely unhealthy to constantly compare your partner with your ex. Bringing up your ex is not just demeaning but could also point that he is still not over her. I suggest you confront him about this. Let him know that you do not appreciate the comparison; it isn’t fair to you and it’s not fair of him to expect you to be like someone else, let alone his ex.
If he continues to do the same, or tries to defend his behavior instead of listening to what you have to say, please reconsider the relationship.
Hope this helps.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
First of all, just saying No should be enough. But I understand what you mean; you want to gently decline the advance. I suggest you politely tell him that you are not ready for that level of intimacy yet and it has nothing to do with how much you feel for him. Also, please do not be ashamed of who you are; whether you are traditional or you are more on the modern side, both are completely fine. And if you need more time to get there, or decide to wait till marriage, that is completely fine too. There is no hard and fast rule that you have to do certain things at a particular time.
Hope this helps.

Ans: Ankush, I think I have already answered your question. Anyway, please note, Admission to Mechanical Engineering at mid-tier NITs via CSAB Special Rounds for an OBC-NCL rank of 15 000 is feasible despite a CRL of 52 , since seat allocation for reserved categories follows the category rank. In CSAB 2024, NIT Durgapur’s Other-State mechanical closing rank was 33 265 (General) and its OBC-NCL seats historically close within the 11 000–12 000 band. NIT Patna’s Other-State OBC-NCL mechanical cutoff stood at 51 338 in Round 1, with Home-State OBC-NCL seats closing around 53 621. NIT Goa’s Other-State OBC-NCL mechanical rank closed at 60 029 in Round 1 and 67 845 in Round 2, showing ample margin for a 15 000 OBC-NCL rank. Similar trends apply to NIT Puducherry and NIT Sikkim, whose OBC-NCL mechanical cutoffs exceed 40 000. IIIT and GFTI mechanical streams typically close at much higher ranks, so GFTIs like NIELIT Aurangabad (Electronics Systems) and Institute of Infrastructure, Technology, Research and Management Ahmedabad (Mechanical) also remain options. A BITSAT score of 199 corresponds to a rank beyond 32 000, falling short of all BITS campus cutoffs for CSE and mechanical, so BITS admission is not possible.

Recommendation: Fill out a maximum of your preferred choices of Insitutes & Branches. With strong prospects at NIT Durgapur, NIT Patna and NIT Goa under OBC-NCL reservations, accept your CSAB choices in mechanical at these institutes. As robust private-college backups in Northern India apply to Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Manipal Campus)(if JEE score is accepted), Jaypee Institute of Information Technology Noida, J.C. Bose University of Science & Technology (YMCA UST) Faridabad, Galgotias University Greater Noida and Chandigarh University, each offering accredited CSE curricula, specialized labs, dedicated placement cells with 80–95% three-year placement consistency, and accessible admission tests. Ensure timely applications to these private institutes while finalizing your CSAB mechanical seat. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Vasudha, The ten institutions where SC cutoffs in 2024 fell below 43.46 percentile—ensuring 100% feasibility in CAP rounds—are Bharati Vidyapeeth COE, Katraj (Pune); D.Y. Patil COE, Akurdi (Pune); Pimpri Chinchwad COE, Nigdi (Pune); AISSMS COE, Shivajinagar (Pune); AISSMS Institute of Information Technology, Kennedy Road (Pune); Sinhgad College of Engineering, Vadgaon Budruk (Pune); Sinhgad Institute of Technology & Science, Lonavala (near Pune); JSPM Narhe Technical Campus, Narhe (Pune); JSPM Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering, Tathawade (Pune); and Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Kondhwa (Pune).

Recommendation: Considering accreditation strength, specialized labs, faculty expertise, industry engagement and placement consistency, Bharati Vidyapeeth COE and D.Y. Patil COE stand out for their SC-friendly cutoffs and urban Pune locations; Pimpri Chinchwad COE and AISSMS COE follow for balanced infrastructure and corporate partnerships; Sinhgad COE Vadgaon offers excellent lab facilities and internship programs, making these five the top choices for your MHT-CET percentile and Maharashtra domicile.

Management-Quota Seat Options (Just for information & the capitation/donation/tuition fees provided here are approximate. Please check the college websites for accuracy.
For guaranteed non-CAP admission via management quotas, consider Bharati Vidyapeeth COE Pune (capitation ?2.5 LPA, annual fees ?1.5 LPA; branches: CSE, E&TC, ME, CE, EE), D.Y. Patil COE Akurdi (capitation ?3 LPA, fees ?1.8 LPA; branches: CSE, IT, E&TC, ME, CE), MIT World Peace University Pune (capitation ?4 LPA, fees ?2 LPA; branches: CSE, IT, E&TC, ME, CE), JSPM Narhe (capitation ?2 LPA, fees ?1.6 LPA; branches: CSE, IT, E&TC, ME, CE) and Vishwakarma Institute of Technology Kondhwa (capitation ?3.5 LPA, fees ?1.7 LPA; branches: CSE, E&TC, ME, CE, EE). All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: You’ve already built a strong base.

You have the first-year fees covered. You have PPF maturity in 2026. You have Rs 65 lakhs in mutual funds. This is a position of strength.

Now let’s look at your situation with a 360-degree view and create a simple, low-stress education funding plan.

? Know the Payment Timeline for College Education

– Total education cost is Rs 30 lakhs for 4 years.

– First year is already taken care of.

– That leaves Rs 22 to 23 lakhs needed over the next 3 years.

– That will likely be paid in parts—one year at a time.

– So cash flow planning is better than full lump sum withdrawal.

– Avoid selling full amount now just to keep it aside in a bank.

– Instead, match redemptions with yearly requirements.

? Don’t Use Mutual Funds Randomly – Plan Withdrawals Smartly

– You have Rs 65 lakhs worth of mutual funds.

– Don’t rush to redeem it all.

– Instead, identify how much is needed and when.

– Sell only what’s needed each year, not the entire value now.

– Equity mutual funds fluctuate. So redeem 4–6 months before fee due.

– That gives time to handle market volatility.

– You also save on emotional panic.

– Use systematic withdrawal if needed for cash flow.

– Monitor market trends and sell into strength, not weakness.

? Don’t Ignore PPF – It’s a Powerful Resource

– Your PPF is maturing in March 2026.

– Maturity value is Rs 23 lakhs.

– You can plan to use it for 3rd or 4th year fees.

– PPF maturity is tax-free. That’s a big plus.

– Use this amount for the last part of the education goal.

– This reduces the burden on your mutual funds.

– Also, keep the money in PPF until it is fully required.

– Don’t withdraw early unless there’s a big gap.

– Redeem mutual funds first if market conditions are favourable.

? Keep One Year Fee in a Safer Parking Option

– Before each academic year starts, move next year’s fees into a safer fund.

– Use a short-term debt mutual fund or overnight fund.

– These are not volatile and keep your capital safe.

– This will help you avoid sudden shocks at the time of fee payment.

– Redeem equity fund gradually and move it to safety bucket.

– Avoid waiting until the last minute.

– Mutual fund NAVs can drop quickly in market panic.

– Lock in gains ahead of time to ensure stability.

? Don’t Take an Education Loan Unnecessarily

– You have enough personal funds.

– Loans should be last option, not first.

– Interest burden will affect your future goals.

– Paying out of your own wealth is much better.

– Avoid the mindset of using loan for tax benefit.

– Tax benefit is small compared to interest cost.

– Also, repaying loans takes away flexibility.

– You’re in a position to stay loan-free. Keep it that way.

? Maintain Your Other Financial Goals

– Don’t divert all money into education planning.

– You may also have retirement or emergency fund needs.

– Keep Rs 5 to 6 lakhs as emergency fund always.

– Don’t compromise on long-term financial health.

– Split your mutual fund portfolio accordingly.

– Allocate only Rs 22 to 23 lakhs for this goal.

– Keep the rest for other life goals.

– Don’t mix long-term and short-term plans in one place.

? Don’t Use Sector or Thematic Funds for Education

– These funds are risky and unpredictable.

– They are not goal-friendly for short timelines.

– Their performance depends on external triggers.

– Education goals need steady, safe growth.

– Choose hybrid or large-cap oriented active funds for withdrawals.

– Use debt funds or liquid funds for near-term parking.

– Don’t hold gold funds or international funds for this purpose.

– Exit such funds in a phased and timely manner.

? Plan Redemptions Tax-Efficiently

– Mutual fund redemptions have tax impact.

– Equity fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

– STCG is taxed at 20%.

– So stagger your withdrawals to reduce tax impact.

– Avoid selling everything in one financial year.

– Plan in such a way that you redeem before March each year.

– Spread the redemption across 3 years.

– This smoothens tax liability and reduces strain.

? Avoid Index Funds and Direct Plans for Such Goals

– Index funds don’t protect downside.

– They just mirror market moves.

– They fall heavily when market crashes.

– No one controls risk in index funds.

– Actively managed funds offer better downside protection.

– They adjust sector weights when needed.

– Your money gets some risk management from the fund manager.

– For important goals like education, control is important.

– Direct plans don’t give you expert guidance.

– At this stage, you need planned redemption, taxation advice, and risk control.

– A CFP offering regular plans gives you goal-linked clarity.

– That support is worth much more than 0.5% saved.

? What You Can Do Now – Simple Action Points

– Identify the exact yearly requirement for your son’s education.

– Tag Rs 22–23 lakhs worth of mutual funds for this goal.

– Review those fund types and categories.

– Exit thematic and volatile funds linked to this allocation.

– Retain large-cap, hybrid or conservative fund types.

– Move Year 2 fees into a short-term debt fund now.

– Plan Year 3 redemptions in early 2025.

– Keep Year 4 for PPF maturity in March 2026.

– Rest of your MF portfolio can stay invested for long-term growth.

– Track your fund performance every 6 months.

– Don’t get affected by short-term news or market noise.

– Use a Certified Financial Planner to re-check portfolio alignment.

? Balance Emotion with Practicality

– Education is a deeply emotional goal.

– But don’t let fear or urgency drive decisions.

– Structured planning gives better outcomes.

– You already have most resources available.

– Just aligning timing, tax, and safety will give you success.

– This is not the time to chase high returns.

– This is the time to protect and use wealth wisely.

– Avoid surprises by preparing early for each year’s need.

– You don’t have to sell more than needed.

– Peace of mind is more valuable than percentage returns.

? Finally

– You’ve done the hard work already.

– You’ve created wealth. You’re ready for your son’s future.

– Now just match withdrawals with goals.

– Keep your mutual fund redemptions phased and tax-smart.

– Use PPF maturity with a clear timeline.

– Avoid loans, panic-selling, or overexposure to risk.

– Stay guided, focused, and balanced.

– A Certified Financial Planner can help map this in detail.

– Education is a noble goal. You’ve built the base. You just need smart execution now.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: Arijit, I have already answered your question. Anyway, please note, NIT Rourkela’s Electronics & Instrumentation combines rigorous instrumentation, control, and process automation labs with strong industry linkages, achieving approximately 95 percent placement consistency over the last three years and an average CTC of ?19.08 LPA. Its Electrical Engineering programme offers comprehensive power-systems, machines and high-voltage labs, recording similar placement rates near 95 percent with an average package of ?13.62 LPA. At NIT Trichy, Instrumentation & Control Engineering provides advanced sensors, control systems and process instrumentation facilities, securing around 86.7 percent placement in 2024 and benefiting from the institute’s overall median UG package of ?14.35 LPA. All three programmes are AICTE/NBA-accredited, delivered by PhD-qualified faculty, feature modern infrastructure, maintain active recruitment drives, and support strong alumni networks, differing mainly in domain focus, specialization depth, and average compensation.

Recommendation:
Considering cutting-edge instrumentation curriculum, highest average packages, and robust core-sector placements, NIT Rourkela’s Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering emerges as the top choice. For balanced power systems expertise with strong recruitability, NIT Rourkela’s Electrical Engineering follows, and NIT Trichy’s Instrumentation & Control Engineering ranks third for its solid but slightly lower placement consistency. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Jindal Global Business School's Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) is a five-year programme blending BBA (Hons.) and MBA degrees, featuring a comprehensive curriculum with core business fundamentals, specialized tracks in Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Operations & Supply Chain, and Business Analytics. The programme achieved a 92 percent placement rate in 2023 with 69+ corporate recruiters, securing average packages for Integrated BBA (H) + MBA students at ?7.45 LPA, with the highest international package reaching ?23 LPA. JGBS is accredited by NAAC with A grade and maintains membership in the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), with a distinguished faculty comprising over 540 members from prestigious institutions including IIMs, IITs, Harvard, and Oxford. The programme has been ranked India's #1 BBA programme by Outlook-ICARE Rankings for two consecutive years (2023-2024), scoring 845.12 points out of 1000 across five key parameters: Academic & Research Excellence, Industry Interface & Placement, Infrastructure & Facilities, Governance & Admissions, and Diversity & Outreach. TAPMI Bangalore's BBA (Hons) is a four-year programme with exit flexibility after three years, offering specialized tracks in Finance, Marketing, Operations, Analytics, Human Resources, and Strategy, supported by three mandatory internships, international immrishti Manipal Institute for creativity development. TAPMI holds dual international accreditation from AACSB and AMBA, positioning it among the top 5 percent of global business schools with this prestigious recognition. The BBA (Hons) programme reports dedicated placement assistance during the sixth semester with comprehensive career guidance, achieving internship statistics with average stipends of ?21,000 per month and highest stipends reaching ?32,000 per month. Both institutions excel in essential benchmarks—robust accreditation, experienced international faculty, modern infrastructure, strong industry linkages, and reliable graduate outcomes—yet differ in programme structure, with JGBS offering integrated dual-degree flexibility and established ranking supremacy, while TAPMI provides specialized international exposure through its global university network and proven track record of academic excellence.

Recommendation: Considering India's #1 BBA ranking for two consecutive years, superior placement statistics with 92 percent success rate, comprehensive integrated dual-degree structure, and exceptional research-driven faculty from global institutions, Jindal Global Business School's IPM programme emerges as the optimal choice for holistic business education and career prospects. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Yes, it’s possible this is a rough patch. The transition from being partners to parents often shifts emotional energy toward caregiving, survival, and responsibility. Many couples go through seasons where intimacy takes a back seat—due to stress, exhaustion, resentment, unspoken hurts, or even changing hormones. But six months of no sexual intimacy, especially when one partner is still trying, is not just a phase to wait out. It’s a signal—something deeper may be going on emotionally, physically, or relationally with your husband.

The most important thing now is to move from subtle hints to open-hearted conversation. Not confrontation, not blame. But a real, calm moment where you say something like:

"I’ve been feeling increasingly distant from you—not just physically, but emotionally. I know life has been exhausting and we’re both stretched. But I miss being close to you. I miss feeling wanted, seen, connected. Can we talk about what’s going on between us? Not to pressure or fix it overnight, but just to understand where we are?”

You're not asking for sex. You’re asking for honesty, presence, and partnership. And if your husband is emotionally closed or dismissive, it may help to involve a couple’s therapist—someone neutral who can help unpack any barriers between you two.

This isn’t just about sex. It’s about closeness, and the quiet loneliness that’s creeping in despite being married and sharing a home and child. Don’t keep absorbing that pain in silence. You deserve connection, not confusion. And your marriage deserves a chance to heal, not just survive.

You're not overreacting. You're paying attention—and that’s the first step toward change.

Ans: The longer you avoid the situation, the more painful it will become for both of you. Ghosting him may feel like self-protection, but to him, it’s abandonment—especially after the emotional bond you both developed. And more than anything, that silence feeds his worst fear: that he is unlovable.

So, what can you do? You begin with honesty, not by confessing everything at once, but by taking responsibility gently. You can say something like:
"There’s something very difficult I need to share, because I value the connection we’ve had and the kindness you’ve shown me. When we first started talking, I didn’t expect it to mean so much. I used a different name and didn’t realise who you really were until recently. That discovery shocked me, and I’ve been scared—of your reaction, of mine, of the consequences. But I also feel immense guilt, because the connection was real for me. You’ve been someone I admire deeply, and I didn’t want to disrespect or mislead you."

This is not about asking him to forgive you or continue anything. This is about closing the gap between who you were and who you are now—with courage, clarity, and care.

He may feel betrayed. He may take time to process it. He may even need space. But you will have done the right thing by coming clean. And regardless of what happens next—whether the connection continues or not—you will walk away knowing that you chose truth over fear.

Also, give yourself grace. You’re human. We all make decisions that seem easier in the moment but become difficult to carry later. What matters now is how you handle the truth—not just for him, but for your own growth and peace.