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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 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
Pal Question by Pal on Apr 15, 2024Hindi
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I want to invest 30 lakhs in long term (30 to 35 years)for wealth creation, Can you please suggest me some good MF. Thanks.

Ans: Investing 30 lakhs for 30 to 35 years offers a great opportunity for wealth creation. Given your long-term horizon, consider diversifying your investment across various categories like large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds to balance growth potential and risk. Here are some categories you might consider:

Large-cap Funds: These funds invest in well-established companies, offering stability.
Mid-cap Funds: These focus on mid-sized companies with high growth potential.
Multi-cap Funds: These provide flexibility to invest across market caps based on market conditions.
Remember, while selecting funds, it's essential to consider factors like fund performance, expense ratio, and fund manager's track record. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your portfolio will help ensure it aligns with your long-term goals. Consulting a financial advisor can provide personalized guidance tailored to your needs. Happy investing!
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 May 04, 2024

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Dear Sir, I am 34 yrs old and planning to start my MF / other investment journey. I have been regularly investing in Fixed Deposits and have made a good corpus out of it. I am looking for an investment for a long-term goal. I can invest up to Rs. 35,000/- per month. The risk appetite for me would be medium.
Ans: Starting your investment journey with a long-term goal in mind is a prudent decision. Here's a recommended approach for you:

Begin by diversifying your investment portfolio across different asset classes to manage risk effectively. While Fixed Deposits offer stability, consider allocating a portion of your funds towards equity-based investments such as Mutual Funds for potential growth over the long term.
With a medium risk appetite, opt for a balanced mix of equity and debt mutual funds. Equity funds have the potential to deliver higher returns over time, while debt funds provide stability and income generation.
Start with Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds, which allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly. Allocate a portion of your monthly investment budget towards SIPs in equity funds to capture market growth opportunities.
Additionally, consider diversifying into other investment avenues such as Public Provident Fund (PPF) or National Pension System (NPS) to further strengthen your retirement savings.
Regularly review your investment portfolio and make adjustments as needed based on changes in your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions.
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner or Mutual Fund Distributor to tailor an investment strategy that aligns with your specific financial objectives and risk profile. This personalized approach will help you navigate the complexities of the investment landscape and achieve your long-term financial goals effectively.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 12, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 07, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I have around 30 lakhs to invest. I want to invest for long time.can you guide me which MFs to invest for highest return.
Ans: Investing Rs. 30 lakhs is a significant decision. It's essential to align your investments with your long-term goals. Before recommending specific mutual funds, let's break down a few critical aspects. This approach ensures you maximize returns while managing risks effectively.

Time Horizon and Risk Tolerance
A long-term investment horizon is beneficial. It allows you to benefit from the power of compounding. However, it's crucial to assess your risk tolerance. Are you comfortable with high-risk, high-reward investments? Or would you prefer a more balanced approach? Understanding this will help in choosing the right mutual funds.

The Role of Diversification
Diversification is key to managing risk. By spreading your investments across different types of funds, you can reduce the impact of market volatility. Equity mutual funds are often recommended for long-term investments. But, it’s essential to diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

Importance of Actively Managed Funds
Many investors consider index funds or ETFs. However, these may not always be the best option for high returns. Actively managed funds, guided by experienced fund managers, can potentially outperform the market. These funds adapt to changing market conditions, unlike index funds that strictly follow a benchmark.

The Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds have lower expense ratios, but they lack flexibility. They mirror the market, meaning they can’t take advantage of opportunities that arise during market fluctuations. Over the long term, actively managed funds often deliver better returns, especially in the Indian market where active management can exploit market inefficiencies.

Regular vs. Direct Mutual Funds
You might also be considering direct mutual funds. While direct funds have lower expense ratios, they require continuous monitoring. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can guide you through regular mutual funds. These funds come with the added advantage of expert advice and periodic reviews, ensuring your portfolio stays aligned with your goals.

Benefits of Professional Guidance
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures that your investments are professionally managed. CFPs provide valuable insights, periodic reviews, and rebalancing strategies. This service is especially crucial in a dynamic market like India. A well-managed portfolio, guided by a CFP, can outperform self-managed investments.

Risk Management Strategies
While aiming for the highest returns, it's important not to ignore risk management. High-risk funds can offer high returns, but they also come with potential losses. A balanced approach, with a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds, can help manage this risk.

Asset Allocation for Long-Term Investment
For long-term goals, a higher allocation to equity funds is typically recommended. However, it’s wise to include some debt funds for stability. This balanced approach ensures your portfolio can weather market volatility while aiming for higher returns.

The Importance of Regular Reviews
Investing is not a one-time activity. Regular reviews and rebalancing are necessary to ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your goals. Market conditions change, and so should your investment strategy. A CFP can help with these regular reviews, ensuring that your investments stay on track.

Consider Tax Implications
Mutual funds are tax-efficient, but it’s important to consider the tax implications of your investments. Long-term capital gains tax (LTCG) applies to equity mutual funds. Understanding the tax impact on your returns can help in planning your investments better.

Avoiding Investment Cum Insurance Policies
If you hold any investment cum insurance policies like ULIPs, it might be wise to reconsider. These policies often come with high charges and lower returns compared to mutual funds. Surrendering these policies and reinvesting in mutual funds could be more beneficial for long-term growth.

Reinvestment Strategy
If you have any existing investments, it’s worth reviewing them. Sometimes, surrendering low-performing investments and reinvesting in well-performing mutual funds can enhance your portfolio’s overall returns.

Finally
Investing Rs. 30 lakhs with a long-term horizon is an excellent strategy. However, the key to maximizing returns lies in choosing the right mix of funds, understanding market dynamics, and staying disciplined. Working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide the professional guidance needed to navigate these decisions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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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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