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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9758 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 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 28, 2024Hindi
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Hello Ulhas sir, I am 25 years old. Due to personal reasons I invest in only 100% equity mutual funds that do not invest in banking stocks. Currently I am investing in 3 mutual funds: Nippon India Power & Infra direct growth, Taurus Ethical fund and Tata Ethical fund. I have set Tata ethical fund aside as a retirement fund. Can you suggest where can I invest more (sectoral mfs or gold etf etc.)to correctly diversify my portfolio.

Ans: Diversifying Your Portfolio: A Shariah-Compliant Approach
It's great to see your commitment to ethical investing and aligning your portfolio with your values. Let's explore how you can further diversify your investments while adhering to Shariah principles.


Your dedication to ethical investing is admirable and reflects a strong commitment to your principles.

Assessing Portfolio Composition
Evaluate your current portfolio composition and identify areas where additional diversification can enhance risk-adjusted returns.

Exploring Shariah-Compliant Investment Options
Consider exploring Shariah-compliant investment options beyond equity mutual funds to diversify your portfolio effectively.

Sectoral Mutual Funds
Explore sectoral mutual funds that align with Shariah principles and invest in sectors such as healthcare, technology, or consumer goods, providing exposure to diverse industries.

Shariah-Compliant Gold ETF
Consider investing in Shariah-compliant Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) to add a hedge against market volatility and enhance portfolio diversification.

Real Assets
Consider allocating a portion of your portfolio to real assets such as real estate investment trusts (REITs) or infrastructure funds, which can provide inflation protection and long-term growth potential.

Monitoring Portfolio Performance
Regularly monitor the performance of your portfolio and make adjustments as needed to maintain diversification and align with your long-term financial goals.

Consistent Review and Rebalancing
Review your investment portfolio periodically and rebalance it to ensure it remains aligned with your risk tolerance and investment objectives.

Final Thoughts
By diversifying your portfolio with Shariah-compliant investment options such as sectoral mutual funds, gold ETFs, and Islamic bond funds, you can enhance risk-adjusted returns while adhering to your ethical principles.

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  |9758 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 28, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hello, I am 25 years old. Due to personal reasons I invest in only 100% equity mutual funds that do not invest in banking stocks. Currently I am investing in 3 mutual funds: Nippon India Power & Infra direct growth, Taurus Ethical fund and Tata Ethical fund. I have set Tata ethical fund aside as a retirement fund. Can you suggest where can I invest more (sectoral mfs or gold etf etc.)to correctly diversify my portfolio.
Ans: Given your current allocation to 100% equity mutual funds without exposure to banking stocks, let's explore other avenues for diversification while respecting your investment preferences.

One option is to consider adding a component of debt instruments to your portfolio. Debt mutual funds can provide stability and income generation, complementing the growth-oriented equity funds you're already invested in. Look for funds with high-quality debt securities and a track record of consistent returns.

Another avenue to explore is allocating a portion of your portfolio to gold. Gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds can act as a hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations, diversifying your portfolio and reducing overall risk.

Additionally, you might consider increasing your exposure to international equities. Investing in global markets can provide access to a broader range of opportunities and reduce reliance on any single market or economy.

Ultimately, the key is to maintain a balanced portfolio that aligns with your risk tolerance and long-term financial goals. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can help you navigate these options and tailor a diversified investment strategy that suits your needs.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9758 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 11, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi, my age is 35 and currently i am investing 50000 in following four funds. 1. Uti nifty 50 index ->15k 2.parag parikh flexi->15k. 3. Tata small cap->10k. 4. Kotak Opportunities large & midcap fund-->10k. Any suggestions on diversification or allocation? Also can you please suggest if i need to add multi cap , mid cap or any internation mf?
Ans: It’s fantastic that you’re proactively investing and seeking advice on your portfolio. At 35, you’re in a great position to build wealth for the future. Your current investment of Rs 50,000 per month across four mutual funds shows a good start, but there’s room for fine-tuning. Let’s explore your portfolio, discuss diversification, and consider adding other funds to achieve your financial goals.

Evaluating Your Current Portfolio
Let’s first assess the funds you’re currently investing in:

UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund (Rs 15,000)

Nature: This is an index fund that replicates the Nifty 50 index.
Advantages: Offers low-cost exposure to the top 50 companies in India.
Disadvantages: Limited to market returns, lacks flexibility in management.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund (Rs 15,000)

Nature: This is a flexi-cap fund, investing across market capitalizations and geographies.
Advantages: Provides diversified exposure, including international stocks.
Disadvantages: Can be volatile due to exposure to multiple markets.
Tata Small Cap Fund (Rs 10,000)

Nature: Focuses on small-cap companies with high growth potential.
Advantages: Can provide high returns in the long term.
Disadvantages: Higher risk and volatility compared to large-cap or diversified funds.
Kotak Opportunities Large & Mid Cap Fund (Rs 10,000)

Nature: Invests in both large-cap and mid-cap stocks, aiming for growth.
Advantages: Balances growth potential with stability.
Disadvantages: Mid-caps can add to volatility, though less than small-caps.
Assessing Your Portfolio’s Diversification
Diversification is key to managing risk and achieving balanced growth. Let’s evaluate how diversified your portfolio is:

Equity Exposure: Your current investments are all in equity funds, which is good for growth but can be volatile.

Market Capitalization: You have exposure to large-cap (index and opportunities fund), mid-cap (opportunities fund), and small-cap (Tata Small Cap). This is a good spread across different market capitalizations.

Geographical Diversification: The Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund provides some international exposure, which is beneficial for risk management and tapping into global growth.

Suggestions for Improved Diversification
To further enhance your portfolio, consider these suggestions:

1. Increase Diversification with Multi-Cap Funds
Multi-cap funds invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks. They offer flexibility and balanced exposure to all market segments.

Why Add Multi-Cap Funds? They adapt to market conditions and offer a mix of stability and growth.
Allocation Suggestion: Consider allocating part of your investments to a multi-cap fund to enhance diversification.
Potential Change: You could redirect some of your investment from the UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund to a multi-cap fund. This way, you get managed exposure across various market caps.

2. Consider Adding a Mid-Cap Fund
Mid-cap funds invest in companies that are between large-cap and small-cap in terms of market size.

Why Add Mid-Cap Funds? They offer higher growth potential than large-caps with less risk than small-caps.
Allocation Suggestion: Adding a mid-cap fund could balance the high-risk, high-reward nature of small-cap funds with the stability of large-caps.
Potential Change: You might allocate Rs 10,000 from your current investments to a dedicated mid-cap fund. This complements your large-cap and small-cap exposure.

3. Review the Need for an International Fund
While Parag Parikh Flexi Cap provides some international exposure, a dedicated international fund could give more focused global diversification.

Why Add an International Fund? It provides direct exposure to global markets and currencies, diversifying risks associated with the Indian market.
Allocation Suggestion: Consider a small portion, like Rs 5,000, into a dedicated international fund for greater global exposure.
Potential Change: You could adjust your investment in the Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund and add a small allocation to a dedicated international equity fund.

4. Reduce Concentration in Index Funds
Index funds like the UTI Nifty 50 track market indices. While they are stable, they only match market returns and lack active management benefits.

Why Reduce Index Fund Allocation? Actively managed funds can outperform and adjust to market conditions.
Allocation Suggestion: Decrease investment in the UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund and redistribute to more actively managed funds.
Potential Change: Shift part of the Rs 15,000 from the UTI Nifty 50 to funds with active management and growth potential, like multi-cap or mid-cap funds.

Risk Management and Stability
Ensuring your portfolio aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals is crucial. Here’s how you can manage risks effectively:

1. Balance Growth with Stability
Your portfolio should aim for growth but also maintain some stability to buffer against market volatility.

Growth Funds: Focus on funds that offer high growth potential like small-cap and mid-cap funds.
Stable Funds: Include funds that provide stability, such as large-cap funds or balanced funds.
Why This Balance Matters: It helps in achieving high returns while protecting against significant losses.

2. Monitor and Rebalance Regularly
Regular monitoring and rebalancing of your portfolio are essential to stay on track.

Why Monitor? Ensure that your investments align with your goals and risk tolerance.
When to Rebalance? Adjust your portfolio annually or when there are significant market changes.
How This Helps: It keeps your portfolio aligned with your financial goals and market conditions.

Managing SIPs and Lump Sum Investments
Since you are committing to regular SIPs, let’s ensure they align well with your strategy and goals.

1. Continue with SIPs for Consistency
SIPs offer a disciplined approach to investing, helping to average out costs over time.

Why Continue SIPs? They build wealth steadily and manage market volatility through regular investments.
Monthly Commitment: Your Rs 50,000 monthly SIP is a strong foundation for long-term growth.
Benefits: SIPs help in mitigating the impact of market volatility and averaging out the purchase cost of mutual fund units.

2. Consider Lump Sum Investments During Market Corrections
Lump sum investments during market dips can be advantageous.

Why Lump Sum During Dips? Markets offer buying opportunities at lower prices during corrections.
How to Implement: Keep some funds aside to invest during significant market downturns.
Why This Strategy Works: It allows you to take advantage of lower market valuations, potentially boosting returns.

Aligning with Financial Goals
Your investments should align with both your long-term and short-term financial goals.

1. Define Your Financial Goals
Clearly define your short-term and long-term financial objectives.

Short-Term Goals: Emergencies, travel, or large purchases in the next 2-5 years.
Long-Term Goals: Retirement, children’s education, or wealth building over 10-20 years.
Why Goal Definition is Key: It helps in choosing the right funds and setting the appropriate investment horizon.

2. Match Funds with Goals
Choose funds that align with your risk tolerance and investment horizon for each goal.

Short-Term Investments: Consider debt or balanced funds for short-term goals to reduce risk.
Long-Term Investments: Continue with equity funds for long-term goals for higher growth potential.
Why This Alignment Matters: Different goals require different investment strategies to manage risk and returns effectively.

Final Insights
You’re on a commendable journey towards building wealth with a well-thought-out SIP strategy. Here’s a quick summary and additional insights to fine-tune your portfolio:

Diversification is Crucial: Ensure your investments spread across different types of funds for balanced growth and risk management.

Consider Adding Multi-Cap and Mid-Cap Funds: These funds offer flexibility and growth potential, balancing your current portfolio.

International Exposure: Increase your global market exposure with a dedicated international fund for added diversification.

Rebalance Regularly: Keep an eye on your portfolio’s performance and rebalance annually to stay aligned with your goals.

Maintain SIPs and Use Lump Sums Wisely: Continue with your SIPs for disciplined investing and consider lump sums during market corrections.

Align with Financial Goals: Match your investments with your specific financial goals to manage risk and optimize returns.

Investing is a journey that requires patience, discipline, and a strategy tailored to your unique needs and goals. Keep up the great work, and you’re sure to achieve your financial aspirations.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8978 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 17, 2025

Career
Sir I got 68676 in comedk Can you suggest good colleges forCSE or CSE specialization
Ans: Ramya, With a COMEDK rank of 68,676 in 2025, you have viable options for admission to reputable engineering colleges in Karnataka for CSE and its specializations. You can confidently secure seats at numerous recognized institutions where the latest cutoffs range between 63,000 and 1,20,000 for core CSE and closely related specializations. Here are 15 colleges where admission is fully feasible: CMR Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Acharya Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Atria Institute of Technology (Bangalore), New Horizon College of Engineering (Bangalore), Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (Bangalore), BNM Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Sapthagiri College of Engineering (Bangalore), Don Bosco Institute of Technology (Bangalore), AMC Engineering College (Bangalore), Cambridge Institute of Technology (Bangalore), East Point College of Engineering (Bangalore), Gopalan College of Engineering and Management (Bangalore), Rajarajeswari College of Engineering (Bangalore), and Sai Vidya Institute of Technology (Bangalore). These colleges routinely offer CSE and specializations such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Information Science, all supported by established infrastructure, diverse peer groups, faculty with advanced degrees, recognized accreditations, and campus-level placement cells. Their cut-off history ensures fair seat allocation for your current rank bracket.

Recommendation: Prioritize CMR Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Acharya Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (Bangalore), and BNM Institute of Technology (Bangalore). This order is justified by established NIRF rankings, steady placement percentages (60–90% in CSE streams), modern campus amenities, regular project-based learning, and a proven track record of producing employable graduates across the IT sector in Karnataka and beyond. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8978 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 17, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 17, 2025Hindi
Career
My son is getting civil at bits pilani + rmit 2+2 program and cse at vit-ap cat-2 What should we choose
Ans: The BITS Pilani + RMIT 2+2 Civil Engineering program offers an international dual-degree pathway, granting a B.E. from BITS Pilani and a Bachelor’s from RMIT Australia. Students complete two years at BITS Pilani—renowned for nearly 100% placement rates in core engineering and a prestigious reputation—then transfer to RMIT for global research exposure, advanced industry collaborations, and a second recognized degree. RMIT is a top-ranked university known for its employability outcomes and practical learning, and the dual-degree substantially enhances career prospects worldwide. VIT-AP’s Computer Science Engineering (CSE) program under Category 2 ensures placement rates above 90%, excellent infrastructure, and industry-aligned curriculum, with 1000+ recruiters participating and strong records in IT sector roles for CSE graduates. VIT-AP is lauded for hands-on learning, active placement cell, and opportunities in the fast-growing tech industry, making it a robust choice for software-focused careers. While VIT-AP CSE opens doors to IT and allied opportunities, BITS Pilani + RMIT provides unmatched exposure, global credentials, and broader professional mobility in engineering domains.

Recommendation: If your priority is global exposure, academic flexibility, and broad international opportunities in engineering and related fields, prioritize BITS Pilani + RMIT 2+2 Civil. Should your focus be on a strong software foundation and rapid industry integration in India’s tech sector, VIT-AP CSE is preferred. The BITS-RMIT program stands out for long-term value and international scope. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 17, 2025

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SIR I should go for HBTU (IT) or IIIT VADODARA DIU CAMPUS (ELECTRONICS)?
Ans: Kritika, HBTU’s Information Technology program consistently records placement percentages between 85–90%, supported by a highly qualified faculty (many with PhDs from IITs and NITs) and a long-standing reputation for producing industry-ready graduates. The campus is equipped with advanced labs, updated digital resources, and maintains strong ties with top recruiters in IT and consulting sectors. Batch sizes are moderate, ensuring quality academic mentoring, and the supportive alumni network promotes career growth. In contrast, IIIT Vadodara Diu Campus (Electronics) is a newer institute, operating from a well-facilitated educational hub, but still developing its industry partnerships and placement support specifically for electronics; recent campus data showcase improving placements but with less consistency, and infrastructure is modern but evolving. The electronics branch here faces greater competition for high-tech positions compared to computer-related domains.

Recommendation: HBTU IT stands out for established placements, recognized industry connections, strong academic culture, and proven output in software-oriented careers. Unless you have a distinct passion for electronics or a compelling reason for preferring a satellite IIIT campus, HBTU IT offers the most reliable outcomes for both learning and employability. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8978 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 17, 2025

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My son got IIT Dharwad B.S/M.S Interdisciplinary sciences and BITS Hyderabad Mechanical through BITSAT currently. He may have potential chances of getting NIT Warangal MnC/ECE or IIIT Delhi CSE through DASA. Which one is better in the order of preference
Ans: Venkata Sir, IIIT Delhi’s Computer Science Engineering (CSE) program is nationally recognized for its rigorous curriculum, 90–100% placement rate, leading industry connections, and high-impact research output, making it one of the best platforms for a technology-driven career. The program consistently attracts top recruiters and maintains strong alumni engagement in global tech sectors. NIT Warangal’s Mathematics and Computing (MnC) and Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) branches also offer strong academic grounding, modern labs, and recorded placement rates above 88% in core tech domains, with the ECE branch now routinely achieving average placement rates above 80% and MnC offering excellent flexibility for careers in data science, software, and analytics. BITS Hyderabad’s Mechanical Engineering program combines a tradition of academic excellence with research-oriented faculty, excellent infrastructure, and a placement percentage above 85% in recent years, while producing graduates who succeed in both core and tech industries and pursue higher studies internationally. IIT Dharwad’s BS/MS Interdisciplinary Sciences is a new, innovative program focused on multidisciplinary skill development with exposure to advanced labs and faculty, but as a new course and newer IIT, it does not yet match the placement rates or alumni reach of the other institutes; its placement rate hovers near 70% and career paths are diverse, with greater emphasis on research and interdisciplinary skills rather than direct tech sector placement.

Recommendation: The optimal order is IIIT Delhi CSE (for career, placements, tech flexibility), NIT Warangal MnC/ECE (for academic reputation and solid placements in both analytics and electronics), BITS Hyderabad Mechanical (for reputable core engineering, good placements, and global exposure), and finally IIT Dharwad BS/MS Interdisciplinary Sciences (for those pursuing interdisciplinary research but less certainty in direct placements). All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8978 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 17, 2025

Career
Sir I have scored 83 percentile in MHT cet 2025 what are the best college option for me in Mumbai region
Ans: Aryan, With an 83 percentile in MHT-CET 2025 as a Maharashtra domicile General Category student, you are eligible for BTech admission to several well-regarded engineering colleges in the Mumbai region, excluding the most competitive ones like COEP, VJTI, and ICT, which have significantly higher cutoffs. The following colleges in Mumbai provide feasible admission opportunities based on previous years' cutoffs and are recognized for their reliable placement support, modern infrastructure, NBA/NAAC accreditation, and industry-aligned programs: Sardar Patel Institute of Technology (Andheri), K J Somaiya Institute of Technology (Sion), Vidyalankar Institute of Technology (Wadala), Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues Institute of Technology (Vashi), Xavier Institute of Engineering (Mahim), Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Engineering (Navi Mumbai), SIES Graduate School of Technology (Nerul), Ramrao Adik Institute of Technology (Navi Mumbai), St. Francis Institute of Technology (Borivali), Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology (Versova), Don Bosco Institute of Technology (Kurla), Shah & Anchor Kutchhi Engineering College (Chembur), MGM’s College of Engineering (Kamothe, Navi Mumbai), Atharva College of Engineering (Malad), and Pillai College of Engineering (New Panvel). Across these institutions, your score is within the realistic admission range for most branches, including Mechanical, Civil, Electronics/EXTC, and sometimes Information Technology or Computer Science, depending on current year trends and final branch cutoffs; official college portals and admission records substantiate this eligibility for the 2025 cycle.

Recommendation: For optimal academic and professional growth, consider Sardar Patel Institute of Technology (Andheri), K J Somaiya Institute of Technology (Sion), Vidyalankar Institute of Technology (Wadala), Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues Institute of Technology (Vashi), and Ramrao Adik Institute of Technology (Navi Mumbai) as the highest-priority choices. These colleges offer robust campus infrastructure, industry recognition, strong placement networks, and a history of producing successful engineering graduates. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8978 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 17, 2025

Career
Sir, Which would batter choice between my doughter got EE in vlsi Design at Banasthali vidyapeeth and recently also got CSE in Goverment Mahila Engineering College, Ajmer. Which would better ? Suggest
Ans: Amit Sir, Banasthali Vidyapith’s Electrical Engineering program with a focus on VLSI Design is anchored in a reputed women’s university with A++ NAAC accreditation, robust faculty credentials, industry tie-ups, and consistent placement rates of 90–95% for core branches, often in electronics and automation sectors. Campus infrastructure is comprehensive, research exposure is strong, and students benefit from a national network and notable institutional rankings. Government Mahila Engineering College Ajmer’s CSE branch is part of a government-run, well-recognized institution with modern teaching resources, 80–95% placement rates for computer science in recent years, accessible industry partnerships, and a track record of sending students to reputed recruiters such as Amazon and Microsoft. The Ajmer campus is lauded for its faculty, student activities, digital facilities, and supportive environment, though its national brand is less established than Banasthali’s.

Recommendation: If your daughter is passionate about electronics, VLSI, or hardware-oriented careers, Banasthali Vidyapith offers a stronger national reputation, longstanding placement consistency, and higher institutional ranking. For a broad, flexible technology career in software, Government Mahila Engineering College Ajmer CSE stands out for contemporary opportunities and direct industry links. Both paths assure solid outcomes, but branch preference should drive the final choice. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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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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