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Omkeshwar

Omkeshwar Singh  | Answer  |Ask -

Head, Rank MF - Answered on Nov 06, 2020

Mutual Fund Expert... more
bharat Question by bharat on Nov 06, 2020Hindi
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I am into business. I have 2 Sips of Rs. 5000 and lump sum invested in Franklin and Invesco. Sir basically I want your advice as I want to start another 3 Sips of Rs. 5000 in 3 different funds for long time (more than 5yrs). Also sir want to invest may be in same 3 SIPs u suggest Rs. 1.35 lac lump sum or STP. Pls advice sir.

Ans: For SIPs you may consider the below 3 funds;

  1. Uti Equity Fund-growth Plan-growth
  2. Axis Esg Equity Fund Regular Growth
  3. Parag Parikh Long Term Equity Fund- Regular Plan Growth

STP is better than Lumpsum, considering the present market and economic situation.

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 23, 2024Hindi
Money
My age is 40 and started SIPs in 2019 but major part of SIPs came in past 1 year. I am planning for a retirement corpus around 3.00crores in next 20 years. Please review my portfolio 1. Canara Robeco flexi cap fund - Rs. 4000.00 2. Canara Robeco Consumer Trends funds - Rs. 2000.00 3. Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct Growth - Rs.10000.00 4. Canara Robeco Small Cap fund Direct Growth - Rs. 5000.00 5. Canara Robeco ELSS Tax Saver - Rs. 5000.00 I want to invest further Rs. 10000.00 monthly for next 20 years in 2 more SIP with different portfolio and want to do some lumpsum Rs. 50000.00 for long run each year. Kindly Suggest funds for both SIPs and lumpsum. Thanks
Ans: Planning for Rs. 3 crores in 20 years is achievable with disciplined investments. Systematic planning and fund selection are crucial for long-term growth. Your current SIP portfolio reflects commitment, but there is room for improvement to align with your goal.

Observations on Your Current Portfolio
Canara Robeco Flexi Cap Fund (Rs. 4,000)
This is a good diversified option. Flexi-cap funds balance risks across market caps.

Canara Robeco Consumer Trends Fund (Rs. 2,000)
Thematic funds focus on specific sectors. These may carry higher risks due to limited diversification.

Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct Growth (Rs. 10,000)
Midcap funds can generate higher returns but are volatile. A large allocation to this fund increases portfolio risk.

Canara Robeco Small Cap Fund Direct Growth (Rs. 5,000)
Small-cap funds are high-risk, high-reward options. A balanced allocation here is essential to avoid overexposure to volatility.

Canara Robeco ELSS Tax Saver (Rs. 5,000)
ELSS is beneficial for tax-saving purposes. It also ensures equity exposure with a lock-in period of three years.

Recommendations for Current Portfolio
Rebalance the Allocation

Your portfolio leans heavily towards mid-cap and small-cap funds. Diversify further with large-cap or multi-cap funds.
This will stabilize returns during market downturns.
Reassess Thematic Fund Allocation

Consider limiting the Consumer Trends Fund allocation. Such funds may underperform if their sector faces a downturn.
Continue ELSS Investments

This is essential for tax savings. It also helps in building a disciplined approach.
Taxation Perspective
Equity Mutual Funds
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt Mutual Funds
Both LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Optimize withdrawals to minimize tax impact. Align investments with tax-efficient instruments.

Suggestions for Additional SIP Investments
To allocate Rs. 10,000 in new SIPs:

First SIP (Rs. 5,000)

Consider an actively managed large-cap fund. These funds focus on established companies with stable returns.
They provide consistency and balance to your portfolio.
Second SIP (Rs. 5,000)

Invest in a multi-cap fund. These offer flexibility across market caps, ensuring better adaptability to market conditions.
Recommendations for Lumpsum Investments
For Rs. 50,000 annual lumpsum investments:

Balanced Advantage Fund

A mix of equity and debt ensures lower volatility.
These funds are ideal for lumpsum investments, especially during market uncertainty.
Equity Opportunities Fund

Invest in funds focusing on long-term growth across sectors.
This complements your SIP-based equity investments.
Debt Fund with Low Duration

To park short-term capital, allocate some portion here.
This maintains liquidity and offers moderate returns.
General Investment Guidelines
Review Portfolio Performance Regularly

Assess fund performance every six months. Exit consistently underperforming funds.
Diversify Across Fund Houses

Avoid concentrating investments in one AMC. This mitigates fund house-specific risks.
Utilize a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Work with a CFP for expert insights and a holistic financial plan.
Regular funds via an MFD ensure better handholding and guidance.
Emergency Fund

Keep six months’ expenses in liquid assets. This ensures stability during uncertainties.
Evaluating Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds adapt to market changes. They aim to outperform benchmarks.
Fund managers’ expertise ensures a strategic approach, unlike index funds that merely replicate indices.
Drawbacks of Index Funds

Lack flexibility during market shifts.
Can lead to suboptimal returns if indices underperform.
Final Insights
You have a commendable start with SIPs. Focus on aligning investments with your financial goals. Rebalancing and diversifying across funds will reduce risks. Invest systematically and review periodically to stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 16, 2025

Money
Hi sir I'm 30 years old and started my sip 10 months ago 1.5 lakhs invested till the date . Want to invest for 15 years Below are details Quant small cap 2.5 k per month Nippon India small cap 5k Motilal Oswal mid cap 5k Parag Parikh flexi cap 3k ICICI prudential nifty 50 index fund etf Rs 200/- 1. Currently investing Rs15700/- want to invest 20k suggest which Current MF to invest more amount or any changes need to be done. 2. Should I invest 5 lakhs in lump sum or in sip which is better
Ans: You have made a great start at the age of 30. Investing early builds strong financial foundation. You are investing Rs. 15,700 per month, which is a healthy amount. You are also planning to increase it to Rs. 20,000 monthly. That’s a smart move. You also have Rs. 5 lakhs for lump sum investing. Now let’s evaluate your mutual fund choices, portfolio structure, and ideal action plan.

Age, Time Horizon and Investment Profile
Age: 30 years

Investment horizon: 15 years

Monthly SIP: Rs. 15,700 currently

Planning to increase to: Rs. 20,000

Lump sum available: Rs. 5 lakhs

Your strengths:

Long time horizon gives high compounding benefit

SIP is already running in good amount

You are open to increasing your investment

You are thinking long term. That’s the right mindset

Let’s analyse your mutual funds in a structured way.

Analysing Your Existing SIP Portfolio
1. Small Cap Exposure
Two small cap funds: Rs. 7,500 per month

These are high-risk, high-return funds

You are investing 48% of SIP into small cap category

That is a high concentration for a young portfolio

Small caps can be very volatile

Better to reduce exposure a little

2. Mid Cap Exposure
One mid cap fund: Rs. 5,000 per month

Mid cap funds are ideal for long-term investors

They balance growth and stability

32% allocation to mid caps is fine

3. Flexi Cap Exposure
One flexi cap fund: Rs. 3,000 per month

Flexi cap funds give fund manager freedom to move between cap sizes

These are good for diversification and dynamic allocation

You can increase allocation here

4. Index Fund (ETF)
Monthly investment: Rs. 200 only

You mentioned it as Nifty 50 ETF

This is an index fund

Index funds have no flexibility

They can’t protect in falling markets

They follow the index blindly

Active funds have proven to beat index consistently over time

Avoid index funds in wealth creation journey

You may exit this and reallocate to active funds

Suggested Portfolio Changes
You aim to invest Rs. 20,000 per month going forward. Let’s realign your portfolio with a strong mix.

Suggested fund category allocation:

Small Cap Funds: 25% of SIP

Mid Cap Funds: 30% of SIP

Flexi Cap Funds: 25% of SIP

Large & Mid Cap Funds: 20% of SIP

New monthly SIP allocation suggestion (Rs. 20,000 total):

Small Cap: Rs. 5,000

Mid Cap: Rs. 6,000

Flexi Cap: Rs. 5,000

Large & Mid Cap: Rs. 4,000

Key actions to take:

Reduce SIP in one small cap fund by Rs. 2,500

Continue with one small cap only. Pick the more consistent one

Increase allocation in Flexi Cap fund

Introduce one Large & Mid Cap fund to diversify

Exit the index ETF fund completely

It adds little value and lacks protection in correction

Should You Invest Rs. 5 Lakhs as Lump Sum or SIP?
This is a very important question. Your decision must consider market timing risk.

Risks in lump sum investing:

If market falls just after lump sum, portfolio value drops

Emotionally it becomes hard to continue

Market may not recover quickly

You may exit at wrong time if not mentally prepared

SIP offers smoother entry:

Rupee cost averaging works well in SIP

Emotional comfort is higher

Volatility is absorbed better

You avoid regret of wrong timing

Best way to invest Rs. 5 lakhs:

Do not invest all in one go

Spread it over next 6 to 9 months

Do STP (Systematic Transfer Plan) from liquid fund to equity funds

This gives safety and gradual market exposure

Choose funds where you are continuing SIP for long term

Avoid lump sum in small cap or sector funds

Suggested STP action:

Put Rs. 5 lakhs in a low-risk liquid fund

Transfer Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 80,000 per month into chosen equity funds

Use the same four fund categories for STP

Asset Allocation View for 360-Degree Planning
You are young. You can afford high equity exposure. But that doesn't mean 100% small caps.

Suggested equity exposure:

Total equity exposure: 90%

Liquid/emergency: 10%

You can take this exposure for next 10 years

Ideal allocation among equity styles:

Large cap and large & mid cap: 30%

Mid cap: 30%

Small cap: 20–25%

Flexi cap and multi cap: 15–20%

This structure gives better balance. It protects from high volatility and improves long-term returns.

Regular Funds vs Direct Funds
You didn’t mention if you are using direct plans. If yes, then please note these:

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

You get no guidance during market volatility

You may stop SIP at wrong time

No proper rebalancing or strategy check

Emotionally hard to manage alone

Many direct investors make mistakes in fund choice and exit timing

Benefits of Regular Funds through Certified Financial Planner:

Ongoing tracking and review of your portfolio

Behavioural coaching during market fall

Proper rebalancing and performance audit

Long-term handholding for goal-based planning

Worth more than the small trail cost involved

For long-term wealth creation, professional support is very useful.

Additional Suggestions for Long-Term Success
Emergency Fund Planning:

Keep 6 months expenses in a liquid fund

Never invest this portion in equity

Insurance:

Take pure term insurance if not yet done

Health insurance for self and family is also must

Periodic Review:

Review your SIP funds every 12 months

Do not change funds based on short-term return

Stick to the goal and asset allocation

Avoid These Mistakes:

Do not invest in traditional LIC plans, endowment or ULIP

Avoid high exposure to sector or thematic funds

Don’t go for trending new funds or NFOs

Avoid real estate for now. Liquidity is poor and returns are slow

Do not invest in index funds unless portfolio is very large

Taxation Point to Note:

Equity mutual funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakhs taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Debt fund returns taxed as per your income slab

Plan redemptions carefully to reduce tax impact

Finally
You have a great start at 30.

Keep investing consistently for 15 years

Reduce small cap exposure a little

Remove index fund ETF from your SIP

Use STP for Rs. 5 lakhs investment

Add one large & mid cap fund to portfolio

Review regularly with a Certified Financial Planner

You are on the right path. With a few changes and disciplined investing, you will build long-term wealth.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 22, 2025

Money
Good evening sir, I am 30 years old and I am central railway employee.I already have 2cr term life insurance and 10 lakhs health insurance.I want to invest 10000 rupees in Mutual funds aggressively for long term goal of 20 years .I also get lumpsum amount of 120000 yearly in 4 times .please guide me where to invest 10000 in a sip manner and where to invest my lump sum amount .
Ans: At a young age of 30, you have made an early start. It is inspiring to see your protection in place with term life cover and health insurance. That prepares you well for future growth.

» Assessment of Your Current Foundation
– Your term insurance of Rs 2 crore gives strong family protection.
– Rs 10 lakh health insurance secures your medical needs.
– Being a central railway employee provides regular salary and stability.
– Saving Rs 10,000 monthly shows commitment towards wealth creation.
– Annual lumpsum of Rs 1,20,000 gives you extra investment edge.
– These steps give hope for your financial independence in future.

» Importance of Goal Clarity
– Starting with a 20-year goal sets a powerful direction.
– Long term view gives you the benefit of compounding.
– Equities usually perform better over long periods.
– Keep the final goal specific such as buying a house, funding children’s education, or building early retirement corpus.
– If you link investments to goals, your commitment level increases.

» Why Mutual Fund SIP is a Strong Choice
– SIP helps invest fixed sums every month.
– It forces regular savings without skipping months.
– SIPs reduce risk by buying at different market levels.
– Rupee cost averaging helps smooth out market ups and downs.
– SIP is like planting trees each month for a future orchard.

» Aggressive Investing: Understanding the Approach
– Aggressive investing means more equity allocation.
– Equities have higher growth over very long term.
– Risk is higher for short term, but lower over 20 years usually.
– Choosing diversified funds helps to balance risk.
– Don’t put all in a single sector or company fund.

» SIP: Maintaining Discipline and Simplicity
– Set up SIP for the same date every month.
– Use auto debit from bank account.
– Even if market falls, continue with SIP.
– Never stop SIP when market worries are high.
– Review your SIPs once in a year.
– Stick with the plan for 20 years for optimum results.
– If income increases, increase SIP by 10% every year.

» Lumpsum Investment: Best Strategies for Yearly Amounts
– Lumpsum can be invested in larger equity mutual funds in tranches.
– Consider not putting entire Rs 1,20,000 at one go.
– Use an STP (Systematic Transfer Plan) from a liquid fund.
– Invest lumpsum in a liquid or overnight fund, and shift to equity over 12 months.
– This approach reduces the timing risk of markets.
– If you want, each quarter you can process a part of lumpsum.

» Importance of Asset Allocation Over 20 Years
– Keep 100% in equity only if you can tolerate market swings.
– As you reach 15th year, move slowly towards 70:30 in equity:debt.
– Last 3 years, start moving most gains to safer debt funds.
– Allocation helps to protect gains near the goal.
– Rebalancing the investment every 3 years is advisable.

» Diversification for Lower Risk and Stable Returns
– Spread investment in 2-3 diversified equity funds.
– Consider a mix of large-cap, flexi-cap, and small-cap funds.
– Don’t choose funds only by high recent returns.
– Look for funds with consistent 5-10 year track record.
– Diversification keeps your risk moderate.

» SIP versus Lumpsum: Key Points
– SIP gives discipline and peace of mind.
– Lumpsum allows you to use extra money gainfully.
– Use SIP for regular income and lumpsum for bonuses or arrears.
– Combining both gives the best wealth-building results.

» Taxation Rules for Mutual Funds (2025 Update)
– For equity mutual funds: LTCG (above Rs 1.25 lakh per year) is taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG is taxed at 20%.
– For debt funds: Both LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your slab.
– Keep holding funds for 20 years, so you benefit mostly from LTCG rules.
– Plan each sale so that you don’t cross the Rs 1.25 lakh LTCG limit in a year.

» Why Not Index Funds or ETFs
– Actively managed funds are better in Indian markets with more growth potential.
– Index funds may underperform because they copy the index and make no effort to beat it.
– No professional fund manager tracks changes in market trends for index funds.
– Actively managed funds pick best companies and exit bad ones.
– Fund managers use expertise to target better returns, especially in volatile and emerging markets such as India.

» SIP in Actively Managed Funds: Advantages
– Professional fund managers study markets and select good companies.
– Actively managed funds can change portfolio when risks emerge.
– More scope for outperformance compared to market index.
– You benefit from research and analysis done by experts.

» If You Ever Consider Direct Funds
– Direct funds may seem to save commissions, but regular funds (via Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP) give you advice and monitoring.
– Without expert review, you might make emotional or uninformed choices.
– Regular funds ensure you get ongoing support and error correction.
– Regular plans through MFDs with CFP credentials give you timely portfolio reviews and handholding in tough times.
– Direct funds miss out on prompt solutions for tax, switch, or documentation issues.

» Reviewing Insurance-Linked Investments
– You do not mention LIC, ULIP or any insurance-cum-investment products.
– No need to surrender or stop anything.
– Just focus on maximizing mutual fund allocation.

» Monitoring and Periodic Assessment
– Track portfolio performance annually.
– Shift funds only if a fund performs poorly for 2-3 years.
– Maintain records of investments, SIP dates, and statements.

» Emotional Preparation for Volatility
– Market crashes or corrections will come.
– Don’t stop SIPs in fear.
– Over 20-year period, every dip will look minor.
– Regular investing through ups and downs is the winner’s path.

» Building Hope and Trust in the Process
– Compounding makes small amounts multiply big over decades.
– Every year, your capital and returns both earn further returns.
– This snowball effect is best seen after 10 years.
– If you are patient, you’ll see very positive growth.

» Mistakes to Avoid While Investing
– Don’t chase only top-performing funds each year.
– Never invest based on friends or news channels’ tips.
– Don’t stop SIP just because of negative market news.
– Avoid overlapping similar types of funds.

» Building Resilience Against Common Doubts
– Sometimes relatives will doubt equity investing and tell scary stories.
– Read about compounding and growth through Indian mutual fund story.
– Listen to certified financial planners and trust the data of long term results.

» Documentation and Nomination
– Update nomination for all investments.
– Store folios and account details in one physical and digital file.
– Share basic details with a trusted family member.

» Retirement Planning and Intermediate Goals
– Review if you want to achieve any other goals before 20 years.
– If you plan for children’s education or early retirement, split investments accordingly.
– Consider starting smaller “goal buckets” for each dream.

» SIP Step-Up Feature
– Increase SIP amount by Rs 1,000 every year if affordable.
– This will multiply total corpus by a big margin after 20 years.
– Even small step-ups add up to lakhs over time.

» Using Annual Bonus or Lumpsum
– Don’t spend bonuses unless for emergencies.
– Invest these in mutual funds using proper plan (as detailed in the lumpsum section above).
– Plan each instalment into mutual funds through STP wherever possible.

» Maintaining Patience and Discipline
– Staying invested is the hardest but most rewarding step.
– Patience helps to convert volatility into opportunity.
– Wealth creation is a 20-year marathon, not a sprint.
– Sticking to basic “invest and forget” style is best for most people.

» Emergency Fund is Important
– Ensure at least 6-9 months of your living costs in a savings or liquid fund.
– Only invest if this emergency buffer is ready.
– This prevents breaking your mutual funds prematurely.

» Family Communication
– Discuss your investment plan with spouse or family.
– Make sure they know the purpose and process.
– Educate them about investing and documentation.

» If Retirement is a Goal
– Calculate how much corpus is needed for a good standard of living.
– Long term SIPs and lumpsum in mutual funds can support early retirement dreams.
– Shift 10-20% towards safer assets in the last 5 years before the goal.

» Technology for Investing
– Use online portals and apps for SIP and mutual fund management.
– Password-protect your portfolio access.
– Keep alerts ON for key portfolio events.

» Summing Up with Hope
– At 30, your steps show wisdom and commitment.
– Starting early with SIP and prudent lumpsum strategy, your long-term wealth will surely multiply.
– Keep reviewing with a trusted certified financial planner for more insights.
– Your foundation is strong, your vision is inspiring.
– Have faith in the process of patience, compounding, and continued investing discipline.

» Final Insights
– No need for complex products—simple SIPs and scheduled lumpsum investments give strong results.
– Diversifying your mutual fund choices and regular monitoring is enough.
– Focus on equity, stay invested, and let the power of time do the rest.
– Stay open to reviewing as your situation, job, or family expands.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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