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Should I Invest Instead of Keeping My Money in a Bank?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9863 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 13, 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
krish Question by krish on Sep 13, 2024Hindi
Money

Instead of banks which give poor interest and also taxed annually, which are better short, medium and long term options for prudent investing?

Ans: Prudent Investment Options for Short, Medium, and Long Term
Many individuals rely on bank savings accounts or fixed deposits (FDs) for parking their money, largely due to the perceived safety and ease of access. However, the low interest rates offered by these products, combined with the annual taxation of returns, often make them suboptimal for wealth generation. Given the need to generate better returns while still managing risk, we explore several alternatives that can help you achieve your short, medium, and long-term financial goals more effectively.

Let’s break down the various investment options into different categories: short-term, medium-term, and long-term, while considering safety, returns, and liquidity.

Short-Term Investment Options (1-3 Years)
Short-term investments are typically for those who need access to their funds within one to three years. The goal here is to preserve capital with minimal risk, while earning returns higher than a bank savings account or a fixed deposit.

Debt Mutual Funds Debt mutual funds invest primarily in fixed-income securities like government bonds, treasury bills, corporate bonds, and other money market instruments. For short-term investments, funds that focus on low-duration securities are preferable, as they offer a balance between risk and return.

Why Debt Mutual Funds? Unlike bank FDs, debt mutual funds offer better post-tax returns, especially for those in higher tax brackets. After three years, debt funds enjoy indexation benefits, which can significantly reduce the tax on long-term capital gains. This makes them more tax-efficient than bank deposits.

Liquidity and Safety Debt funds also provide liquidity. You can access your funds within a few days, making them a better alternative for short-term financial goals. The risk in these funds is relatively low when you choose funds with high-quality instruments and short durations. It’s important to consult with a Certified Financial Planner to select the right debt mutual funds based on your risk profile.

Liquid Funds Liquid funds are a subset of debt mutual funds that invest in very short-term securities, typically maturing in less than 91 days. These funds are ideal for short-term investments where you might need access to the money quickly.

Why Liquid Funds? Liquid funds provide better returns than bank savings accounts, often without much risk. They are perfect for those who want to park money temporarily or have a buffer for emergencies. Many liquid funds offer almost instant withdrawal options, making them highly accessible.

Great for Emergency Savings If you’re setting aside money for an emergency fund, liquid funds are a great place to park this money. They are less risky than equity mutual funds and offer returns that can beat inflation in the short term.

Ultra-Short Duration Funds These funds invest in fixed-income instruments with a slightly longer maturity, typically less than one year. They offer a better yield than liquid funds, while still keeping the risk relatively low.

Why Ultra-Short Duration Funds? Ultra-short duration funds are ideal for investors who want a little more return than liquid funds but are still risk-averse. These funds are suitable for short-term goals such as saving for a vacation, a down payment, or any expense expected within a couple of years.

Short-Term Goals with Low Risk Ultra-short duration funds offer a good compromise between returns and safety for short-term investors. They are generally more stable than long-term bond funds, making them an attractive option for cautious investors.

Medium-Term Investment Options (3-5 Years)
When looking at investments with a time horizon of three to five years, a balance between growth and safety becomes important. You can afford to take on a little more risk to get better returns, but preservation of capital remains a priority.

Balanced Advantage Funds Balanced Advantage Funds are hybrid funds that dynamically shift between equity and debt, depending on market conditions. They aim to deliver steady returns with moderate risk.

Why Balanced Advantage Funds? These funds are designed to handle market volatility. They shift towards equities during a bullish market and move towards debt during bearish markets. This strategy ensures better returns than pure debt funds, without the full risk of equity funds.

Suitable for Conservative Investors If you are a moderately conservative investor looking for stable growth with some equity exposure, balanced advantage funds can be a good option. They offer better tax treatment as well, as they are treated like equity funds for tax purposes, reducing the long-term capital gains tax liability.

Conservative Hybrid Funds These funds invest around 75-90% in debt instruments and the remaining in equity. This combination makes them safer than pure equity funds while offering slightly better returns than debt-only funds.

Why Conservative Hybrid Funds? Conservative hybrid funds aim to provide income through debt, with some capital appreciation from equity exposure. They are less risky than aggressive hybrid funds but offer better returns than traditional debt products like FDs.

Ideal for Medium-Term Investors If your investment horizon is 3-5 years, and you want a safer approach to growing your wealth, conservative hybrid funds could be a smart choice. They balance growth with safety, making them suitable for those nearing retirement or with medium-term financial goals.

Arbitrage Funds Arbitrage funds take advantage of the price differences between the cash and futures markets. They generate returns by buying in the cash market and selling in the futures market.

Why Arbitrage Funds? Arbitrage funds offer the advantage of low risk and good tax efficiency. Since they are treated as equity for tax purposes, investors benefit from lower capital gains tax. Moreover, these funds are less volatile than equity funds and offer relatively stable returns.

Safe in Volatile Markets If you’re looking for a low-risk product in volatile markets, arbitrage funds can be a safe bet. They provide equity-like tax benefits without exposing your capital to the full risk of equity markets.

Long-Term Investment Options (Above 5 Years)
When investing for the long term, the focus should be on growth, as inflation can significantly erode purchasing power over time. Equity-based investments are ideal for long-term goals, as they tend to outperform other asset classes over extended periods.

Equity Mutual Funds Equity mutual funds invest primarily in the stock market and are designed for long-term growth. They are ideal for investors who are looking to generate wealth over a 5-10 year horizon or longer.

Why Equity Mutual Funds? Equity mutual funds offer the potential for high returns, especially over the long term. Over periods of 5-10 years, equity funds tend to outperform debt funds, FDs, and other fixed-income products. This makes them ideal for long-term goals like retirement or funding your child's education.

Types of Equity Mutual Funds There are various categories within equity funds, such as large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Large-cap funds are relatively safer, while mid-cap and small-cap funds offer higher growth potential but come with more volatility. It’s important to diversify across these categories based on your risk tolerance.

Active vs. Index Funds Many investors are tempted by index funds due to their low expense ratios. However, actively managed funds can provide superior returns by outperforming the benchmark index, especially in emerging markets like India. A skilled fund manager can make decisions based on market conditions, unlike index funds, which merely follow the market. Actively managed funds are often a better choice for investors seeking higher growth and market-beating returns.

Tax-Saving Mutual Funds (ELSS) Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) are mutual funds that invest primarily in equities and offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Why ELSS? ELSS is one of the best tax-saving investment options available in India. It has a lock-in period of just three years, which is much shorter compared to other tax-saving instruments like PPF (Public Provident Fund) or NSC (National Savings Certificates). Moreover, since ELSS is an equity-oriented fund, it offers the potential for higher returns.

Ideal for Long-Term Growth While the lock-in is only three years, ELSS should be treated as a long-term investment. The longer you remain invested, the better the returns you can expect. For tax-saving purposes, investing in ELSS can help you reduce your taxable income while also generating long-term wealth.

Multi-Asset Funds Multi-asset funds invest in a mix of asset classes, including equity, debt, and gold. This diversification within a single fund helps reduce risk while still allowing for growth.

Why Multi-Asset Funds? These funds are designed to provide diversification, which reduces the overall risk of your investment. If one asset class underperforms, others may compensate for it, thus balancing the portfolio. Multi-asset funds are ideal for investors who want to diversify but don’t have the time to manage multiple investments.

Best for Long-Term Investors Multi-asset funds are suitable for long-term investors who prefer a balanced approach. These funds can help you meet long-term financial goals while offering a more stable return profile than pure equity funds.

Public Provident Fund (PPF) The Public Provident Fund is a government-backed savings scheme with a 15-year lock-in period. It offers assured returns and tax benefits under Section 80C.

Why PPF? PPF is one of the safest long-term investment options available. It offers guaranteed returns, and the interest earned is tax-free. Additionally, the entire amount invested in PPF is eligible for tax deduction under Section 80C, making it a tax-efficient investment.

Safe and Stable PPF is ideal for conservative investors who prioritize safety and tax benefits over high returns. While the returns may be lower than equity mutual funds, they are assured and backed by the government, making PPF a low-risk investment.

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) Sovereign Gold Bonds are government securities issued by the Reserve Bank of India that allow you to invest in gold without holding physical gold.

Why SGBs? SGBs offer the benefits of gold as an investment, along with an additional interest component of 2.5% per annum. They are safer than holding physical gold, as there are no concerns about storage or security. SGBs also offer tax benefits if held till maturity.

Great for Diversification Gold is often considered a hedge against inflation and economic instability. Investing in SGBs can help diversify your portfolio and reduce overall risk. They are ideal for long-term investors looking to protect their wealth against inflation and currency fluctuations.

Key Factors to Consider
Regardless of your investment horizon, it's crucial to consider the following factors when making decisions:

Risk Tolerance: Your comfort level with taking risks will influence the types of investments that suit you. Equity investments are high risk but can provide high returns, whereas debt investments are lower risk but provide more modest returns.

Tax Implications: Always consider the tax treatment of the investment. Products like debt mutual funds and SGBs can offer tax advantages compared to FDs and other fixed-income products.

Liquidity Needs: Some investments lock your money in for a fixed term, while others offer greater liquidity. Ensure your portfolio has enough liquid assets to cover emergencies.

Financial Goals: Align your investments with your financial goals. If you’re saving for retirement, long-term growth is crucial. For short-term goals, preservation of capital becomes a priority.

Finally
Prudent investing is about balancing growth, risk, and tax efficiency. Moving beyond traditional bank deposits can help grow your wealth faster and protect it from inflation. Whether you're planning for short-term needs or long-term goals, it's essential to choose investments that align with your risk appetite and financial objectives.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner ensures that your investment strategy is well-structured, tax-efficient, and monitored over time. They can help you make informed decisions and guide you towards achieving your financial goals smoothly.

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  |9863 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 13, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
I have a sum of 1.5 lakh rupees which I want to invest but in diverse options. What could be such schemes for investment long term
Ans: Investing Rs. 1.5 lakh is a great opportunity to build a solid portfolio. A diversified approach ensures balanced risk and stable long-term growth. Below are well-suited options to consider for your investment.

Mutual Funds for Wealth Creation
1. Equity Mutual Funds
These funds are ideal for long-term goals.
They invest in stocks and offer high returns compared to other instruments.
Actively managed funds help you outperform market indices.
2. Balanced Advantage Funds
These funds balance equity and debt investments.
They reduce volatility while offering reasonable returns.
Suitable for moderate risk appetite and long-term growth.
3. Debt Mutual Funds
These funds are safer and provide predictable returns.
Useful for preserving capital and managing portfolio risk.
Invest in debt funds for goals within 3-5 years.
Government-Backed Schemes
4. Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF offers guaranteed returns with tax benefits.
The lock-in period is 15 years, aligning with long-term goals.
Interest earned is tax-free and compounds annually.
5. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Consider SSY if you have a daughter under 10 years of age.
High fixed returns and tax benefits make it a secure option.
Ideal for building a corpus for your daughter’s education or marriage.
6. National Pension System (NPS)
NPS is designed for retirement planning.
It provides equity exposure with low management costs.
Tax benefits under Section 80C and 80CCD (1B) enhance returns.
Gold as a Strategic Investment
7. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)
SGBs offer the benefit of gold investment without storage concerns.
These bonds provide annual interest along with gold price appreciation.
Ideal for long-term wealth preservation and diversification.
Emergency Fund and Liquid Options
8. Liquid Mutual Funds
Allocate a small portion to liquid funds for emergencies.
These funds offer easy withdrawal and low risk.
Returns are better than traditional savings accounts.
9. Recurring Deposits or Fixed Deposits
Recurring deposits help you create a short-term savings buffer.
Fixed deposits offer guaranteed returns but are less tax-efficient.
Insurance-Cum-Investment Policies
10. Review Existing LIC or ULIP Policies
Insurance-cum-investment products often deliver low returns.
Assess the surrender value of such policies.
Reinvest the amount in mutual funds for better returns.
Suggested Allocation Strategy
To diversify Rs. 1.5 lakh, consider this allocation:

Rs. 50,000: Equity Mutual Funds for long-term wealth creation.
Rs. 30,000: Balanced Advantage Funds for moderate risk exposure.
Rs. 20,000: Public Provident Fund for secure, tax-free growth.
Rs. 20,000: Sovereign Gold Bonds for diversification.
Rs. 30,000: Liquid Funds for emergencies or short-term needs.
Tax Efficiency
Mutual funds provide tax efficiency for long-term gains.
LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5% for equity mutual funds.
Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.
Government-backed schemes like PPF and SSY offer tax-free returns.
Finally
Your Rs. 1.5 lakh can grow steadily through diversified investments.

Mutual funds should form the core of your portfolio for wealth creation.

Add secure options like PPF and SGBs for balance and stability.

Review your existing LIC policies and move towards higher-return investments.

Stay disciplined and monitor your portfolio regularly with the help of a Certified Financial Planner.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 28, 2025Hindi
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Dear Sir, Can you kindly suggest me with top 10 BTech colleges in & near Pune for CSE, AI, DS, ML etc..in the order of preference which have good placements, faculty & whose degrees are well recognised & accepted in the corporate world. My son secured 99.17 percentile in MHCET. We are a domicile of Mumbai.
Ans: With an MHT-CET percentile of 99.17 and Mumbai domicile, your son is well positioned for top private and government-aided BTech programs in and around Pune for CSE, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning. The leading institutions—College of Engineering Pune (COEP Technological University), Pune Institute of Computer Technology (PICT), Vishwakarma Institute of Technology (VIT), MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), and Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology (VIIT)—offer these branches with industry-aligned curricula, renowned faculty, and consistently strong placement records, often exceeding 90% in CSE/AI/DS. Other excellent options include Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Technology (DYPIT), Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), JSPM’s Jayawantrao Sawant College of Engineering, Marathwada Mitra Mandal's College of Engineering (MMCOE), and Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering (PCCOE). These institutes are NAAC and NBA accredited, enjoy high peer ratings, and their degrees are widely accepted in the corporate sector, especially for software and AI-driven roles. Many have dedicated research labs and international industry partnerships that enhance practical learning and career exposure. Cutoff data for 2025 shows your percentile easily meets or exceeds the admission thresholds for CSE, AI, and DS at these top colleges, virtually assuring a seat in high-demand programs, with placement support from leading recruiters like Microsoft, Amazon, Infosys, and TCS.

Recommendation: The five colleges recommended in order of preference, based on reputation, placement rigor, faculty excellence, and proven corporate acceptance, are: College of Engineering Pune (COEP Technological University), PICT Pune, Vishwakarma Institute of Technology (VIT Pune), MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), and VIIT Pune. These choices optimize learning, employability, and peer environment for a flourishing tech career. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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I got 82 percentile in chem and 85 in maths and 90 in physics in cuet ug obc category can I get any govt college for btech dairy technology
Ans: Sahil, With an 82 percentile in JEE Main as a general category candidate, your chances of securing Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) in NITs, IIITs, or GFTIs through CSAB rounds are very limited. Recent CSAB special round cutoffs show that, for the general category, ECE branches at most NITs and IIITs close at much higher percentiles, often above the 90–92 percentile range, corresponding to ranks well below the typical rank for 82 percentile. Even less sought-after or newer NITs and IIITs rarely have cutoffs for ECE that fall to this level, though some exceptions exist for home state or female quotas. Seats may still be available in non-core branches or other lower-demand streams at smaller GFTIs and select IIITs, but expectations for ECE specifically should be set accordingly. For students in your percentile bracket, many reputed private engineering colleges in North and West India actively accept JEE Main percentiles of 80–90 for CSE, ECE, and related streams, offering good placement support, modern infrastructure, and quality faculty. These institutions provide a wide network of opportunities, competitive learning environments, and robust industry linkages, making them suitable alternatives. Since ECE at NITs, IIITs, and top GFTIs is unlikely at 82 percentile through CSAB, prioritize private engineering colleges in North and West India that accept this score for ECE, and apply broadly to maximize your options. Use CSAB as a backup for open or non-core branch seats. List of 10 Private Engineering Colleges (North/West India, Accept 80–90 Percentile JEE Main: Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala. Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT), Noida. Chandigarh University, Punjab. UPES Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Graphic Era University, Dehradun. DIT University, Dehradun. Galgotias University, Greater Noida. Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab. JECRC University, Jaipur. Sharda University, Greater Noida. Always check official college websites for updated eligibility and branch availability before applying, as cutoffs and intake may vary with demand each year. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 28, 2025Hindi
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How is iiit kota
Ans: IIIT Kota, established in 2013 under the Public-Private Partnership model and designated as an Institute of National Importance, offers B.Tech programs in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) and Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE). The campus, located at Ranpur near Kota, features state-of-the-art infrastructure, including modern classrooms, digital libraries, research labs, hostel facilities, sports amenities, and 24x7 Wi-Fi, though some facilities remain under development as the institute expands. The academic curriculum emphasizes practical, project-based learning, enhanced by research centers in AI, data science, and robotics. Faculty comprise experienced professors and guest lecturers from reputed institutions, ensuring robust academic supervision. IIIT Kota maintains solid placement records, with recent placement percentages ranging around 76–83% and prominent recruiters such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Samsung. Student reviews characterize the environment as growth-oriented and student-friendly, with active coding communities, clubs, and co-curricular opportunities—although some note ongoing campus construction and evolving infrastructure as areas of improvement. The institute holds NAAC accreditation and a competitive national reputation, though is still in a transition phase toward full infrastructure completion.

Recommendation: IIIT Kota is a promising choice for information technology education, offering modern facilities, industry-relevant curriculum, and encouraging placement outcomes. Students seeking strong academic rigor and growth in a developing campus environment can confidently consider IIIT Kota, particularly for CSE and ECE, as the institute continues its upward trajectory. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Career
Cse at bmce or cse at msrit ?
Ans: Praneeth, BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE) and MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT), both in Bengaluru, are highly reputed for Computer Science & Engineering, offering strong placements, quality faculty, industry collaboration, and modern infrastructure. BMSCE has recently expanded its CSE intake, now admitting a notably higher number of students than before, in response to rising demand and technological advancements. While this expansion diversifies the academic environment and allows more students access to leading industry recruiters, it also generates concerns among students regarding intensified competition for internships, placement opportunities, personalized mentorship, and facility usage. The college maintains robust placement records, averaging about 74-80% over the past three years with top recruiters like Amazon, IBM, Nokia, and Adobe, and classrooms remain well-equipped and digitally enabled. Faculty at BMSCE are distinguished and the college is consistently ranked in the top 100-150 engineering institutions nationally, but some observations indicate that the rapid increase in seat intake may gradually impact individual opportunities for each student.

MSRIT, meanwhile, has maintained a comparatively stable intake and enjoys an impressive placement rate of 88-95%, consistently achieving high placement numbers in CSE, powered by over 350 recruiters including Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Capgemini. The department features 15 PhDs, strong research centers, and emphasizes student development through excellent labs, projects, and a flourishing alumni network. The campus, though slightly smaller than BMSCE, offers well-integrated amenities and modern academic spaces, and students benefit from a focused learning atmosphere and one of the strongest industry connect programs in the region.

Recommendation
Given current academic trends and placement consistency, MSRIT CSE is preferred for its strong placement percentages, stable student-to-resource ratio, and sustained focus on personalized growth. The recent intake surge at BMSCE could challenge one-on-one attention and placement ratios, making MSRIT the more prudent option for a robust CSE education. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Career
Sir/Ma'am, I got 92.4 percent in 10th, 89.2 percent in 12th. General category B.Tech in mechanical engineering. If I prepare very well for CAT exam, and have work experience and decent marks in college, is there a chance of getting into IIM Ahmedabad?
Ans: Aditya, To be eligible for admission to IIM Ahmedabad’s flagship MBA (PGP) program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (or equivalent CGPA) as a General category candidate. Your 10th and 12th marks—92.4% and 89.2% respectively—position you well in the academic segment of the selection process. For your B.Tech in mechanical engineering, you need to maintain excellent college grades, as IIM Ahmedabad considers the graduation marks within the applicant pool for engineering/technical disciplines. Work experience, if relevant and well-documented (ideally between 24 to 36 months), contributes up to 5% in the initial shortlisting and final selection formula. Scoring above the qualifying minimum in the CAT exam is paramount; for the General category, a minimum overall 80 percentile with at least 70 in each section is required to be eligible for the Analytical Writing Test (AWT) and Personal Interview (PI), but securing a shortlist typically demands a 99 percentile or higher due to tough competition. Ultimately, IIM Ahmedabad’s selection gives significant—though not exclusive—weight to CAT, academic performance, work experience, and performance in the AWT and PI stages. Non-academic factors such as academic and gender diversity also play a limited role. If you perform very well in the CAT, have solid B.Tech marks, and strong work experience, your overall profile can be competitive for a call, understanding that every year’s actual shortlist depends on the entire applicant pool’s quality.

Recommendation: If you combine strong B.Tech grades, significant work experience, and an exceptionally high CAT percentile, your profile is eligible and can be considered for IIM Ahmedabad, though admission is highly competitive and depends on surpassing both the academic and CAT score thresholds set by the institute annually. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Career
Sir I got 207707 rank in jee mains and category rank 71089 in obc . Can I get seat in nit and iiit..
Ans: Navneet, With a JEE Main CRL rank of 207,707 and an OBC category rank of 71,089, your chances of securing a seat in core branches like CSE or ECE at NITs, IIITs, or GFTIs through CSAB rounds are exceedingly low. Latest CSAB Special Round closing ranks for the OBC category in even less sought-after NITs and IIITs for such branches are much lower—typically well under 30,000 to 40,000 for CSE or ECE, sometimes extending to 50,000–60,000 for interdisciplinary or new programs, but almost never reaching your current OBC rank. While a rare seat in a recently established or remote NIT/IIIT/GFTI with non-core branches may emerge, the data clearly indicate that chances of admission are extremely slim this year. CSAB counselling processes and schemes remain consistent with recent trends, prioritizing better OBC ranks and leaving only limited seats for higher-ranked candidates across special rounds.

Recommendation
Since NIT/IIIT/GFTI admission is nearly unattainable with your current rank, focus on reputed private engineering colleges in Northern India that accept JEE Main scores in your rank range. Apply widely to maximize your prospects and keep state-level processes as a backup.

List of 10 Recommended Private Engineering Colleges (Northern/Western India, Accept JEE Main, Not Southern/BITS/Manipal/Amrita/VIT):

Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala.

Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida.

Chandigarh University, Punjab.

Graphic Era University, Dehradun.

DIT University, Dehradun.

Galgotias University, Greater Noida.

Sharda University, Greater Noida.

Lovely Professional University, Phagwara.

JECRC University, Jaipur.

Manav Rachna University, Faridabad.

Always confirm each institute’s latest cutoffs and eligibility before applying, as some flexibility exists in management/NRI/spot rounds, and scholarship opportunities may be available. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 28, 2025Hindi
Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Career
Sir my JEE mains crl rank is 221741 and category (EWS) rank is 32154 . (Female) .Home state is gujarat. Sir are there any chances for CSE / ECE in CSAB round. If yes then which institutes should I target?
Ans: Nidhi, With a JEE Main CRL rank of 221,741 and a Female EWS category rank of 32,154 from Gujarat, your chances of securing CSE or ECE seats in NITs, IIITs, or GFTIs through CSAB rounds are minimal, as recent CSAB special rounds and closing ranks for these branches usually close much higher for all categories, even with the female and home state quotas. For example, in 2024, EWS category closing ranks for CSE and ECE at NITs/IIITs/GFTIs—especially for non-core or newly established/less sought-after institutes—were consistently much lower than your rank. Even at institutes with higher closing ranks, cutoff data reveals that the last admitted candidates in CSE/ECE typically had significantly better ranks. Nevertheless, some less competitive NITs and GFTIs may see movement in CSAB rounds for other (non-core or interdisciplinary) branches, especially for home state female EWS candidates, but such possibilities remain uncertain and highly limited.

Recommendation
Given these constraints, it is advisable to focus primarily on reputable private engineering colleges in North and West India that accept JEE Main scores within your current rank band for CSE/ECE, while using CSAB as a parallel option for rare opportunities in very new or low-demand institutes.

List of Private Engineering Colleges Accepting JEE Main Rank (Approx. 221,741, Female EWS, Gujarat Home State, CSE/ECE, Northern/Western India:

Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala (Punjab)

Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT), Noida

Chandigarh University, Punjab

UPES Dehradun (Uttarakhand)

Galgotias University, Greater Noida

Sharda University, Greater Noida

Lovely Professional University, Punjab

Graphic Era University, Dehradun

DIT University, Dehradun

JECRC University, Jaipur (Rajasthan)

Amity University, Noida (Uttar Pradesh)

SRM University, Sonepat (Haryana)

Manav Rachna University, Faridabad (Haryana)

Nirma University, Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [Home state advantage applicable]

Parul University, Vadodara (Gujarat)

Indus University, Ahmedabad (Gujarat)

For all options, always verify year-wise cutoffs and apply as per each institute’s JEE Main round-wise and category requirements. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Career
Sir what should we prefer...CSE Thapar or ICE NSUT
Ans: The 250-acre A++-accredited campus of Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology houses its Computer Science & Engineering program, which ranks 29th in NIRF Engineering 2024. Its CSE graduates enjoy placement rates of approximately 90%, with the Computer Science and Electronics branches achieving nearly 100% placement, supported by 200+ recruiters including Amazon, Microsoft, JP Morgan and Deloitte. Dedicated industry–academia centers, state-of-the-art digital libraries and the new School of Advanced AI & Data Science underpin a robust curriculum delivered by PhD-qualified faculty, fostering research, internships and project-based learning.

Netaji Subhas University of Technology’s ICE program operates on a 145-acre, NAAC A+ (CGPA 3.62) campus and holds a 57th rank in NIRF Engineering 2024. ICE students benefit from specialized instrumentation and control labs, industry-aligned syllabus in automation and embedded systems, and strong placement support achieving an average placement rate of around 85% over recent years, with top IT and core recruiters such as Amazon, Microsoft and Qualcomm actively hiring. Faculty expertise in control systems and electronics, coupled with Centres of Excellence in AI and robust research collaborations, strengthens technical and interdisciplinary exposure.

Both institutes offer rigorous accreditation, competitive NIRF rankings, strong placement performance, modern infrastructure, and qualified faculty. Thapar CSE provides broader computer science depth and near-complete placement, while NSUT ICE combines core instrumentation control expertise with solid placement and government-backed quality assurance.

Recommendation: Considering superior national ranking, near-full placement for CSE graduates, expansive AI-focused curriculum, and cutting-edge infrastructure, Thapar CSE is the preferred choice for a comprehensive computer science education with maximal industry exposure and career readiness. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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