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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
Asked by Anonymous - Sep 09, 2023Hindi
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Can I invest in quant tax plan or qunata small cap fund. Which is the best fund and high return and safe fund.

Ans: Both Quant Tax Plan and Quant Small Cap Fund have their unique characteristics and potential for growth, but they cater to different investment objectives and risk appetites.

If you're looking for potential high returns with a higher level of risk, a small cap fund like Quant Small Cap Fund could be more suitable. Small cap funds invest in smaller companies with higher growth potential but also come with higher volatility. It's akin to a young sapling growing rapidly, but it needs more care and attention to weather storms.

On the other hand, if you're seeking tax benefits along with potential growth, a tax-saving fund would be apt. These funds, while offering growth potential, come with a lock-in period and focus on tax efficiency. Think of it as planting a sturdy tree that not only grows but also provides shade in the form of tax savings.

Ultimately, the choice between the two should align with your investment horizon, risk tolerance, and financial goals. Consider discussing with a financial advisor to determine the best fit for your investment strategy.
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 30, 2024

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Hello Dev Ashish, Is Quant mutual fund a safe investment option?
Ans: Evaluating Quant Mutual Fund as an Investment Option
Quant Mutual Fund, like any other investment option, has its merits and risks. Let's assess its safety and suitability for your investment goals.

Pros of Quant Mutual Fund:

Quantitative Approach: Utilizes mathematical models and algorithms for investment decisions, potentially reducing emotional biases.
Diversification: Offers diversification across various sectors and asset classes, minimizing specific risk.
Transparency: Typically provides clear methodologies for investment strategies, enhancing transparency for investors.
Cons of Quant Mutual Fund:

Model Risk: Relies heavily on quantitative models, which may not always accurately predict market movements, leading to suboptimal returns.
Lack of Human Judgment: Absence of human discretion in investment decisions may overlook qualitative factors impacting company performance.
Performance Volatility: Strategies may experience periods of underperformance, particularly during market regime changes or unforeseen events.
Conclusion:
While Quant Mutual Fund presents a systematic approach to investing, its reliance on quantitative models entails inherent risks. Investors should carefully evaluate their risk tolerance and investment objectives before considering Quant funds. Diversifying across different investment styles and regularly monitoring performance can help mitigate potential downsides.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Sep 18, 2023

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

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Which Mutual Fund is best to invest ? It must have tax savings benefit too.
Ans: Evaluating Tax-Saving Mutual Funds for Investment
As a Certified Financial Planner, I understand the importance of tax-saving investments in building long-term wealth while minimizing tax liabilities. Let's analyze the options available and identify the best tax-saving mutual fund for your investment needs.

Genuine Appreciation for Tax Planning
I appreciate your proactive approach to tax planning, which is crucial for optimizing your overall financial strategy and maximizing returns.

Understanding Tax-Saving Mutual Funds
Tax-saving mutual funds, also known as Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), offer dual benefits of tax savings under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act and the potential for long-term capital appreciation through equity investments.

Assessing Key Features
Benefits of ELSS Funds:
Tax Deduction: Investments in ELSS funds qualify for a deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakhs under Section 80C, reducing your taxable income.
Equity Exposure: ELSS funds invest predominantly in equities, offering the potential for higher returns compared to traditional tax-saving instruments like PPF or NSC.
Lock-in Period: ELSS funds have a lock-in period of three years, which encourages long-term investing while providing liquidity after the lock-in period expires.
Selecting the Best ELSS Fund
Criteria for Evaluation:
Track Record: Look for funds with a consistent track record of outperformance and stable returns over various market cycles.
Fund Manager Expertise: Assess the expertise and experience of the fund manager in managing equity portfolios effectively.
Expense Ratio: Consider funds with lower expense ratios to maximize returns net of expenses.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Based on the criteria mentioned above, I recommend considering ELSS funds offered by reputable fund houses with a proven track record of performance, experienced fund managers, and competitive expense ratios.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 27, 2025

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Pls guide on Quant small cap and Quant absolute funds. Both I have invested lump sum 10 months back
Ans: You have invested in a small-cap fund and an absolute return fund. Understanding their potential, risks, and suitability is important.

Performance and Risk of Small-Cap Funds
Small-cap funds invest in companies with high growth potential.

These funds can give high returns but are highly volatile.

Market downturns can lead to significant losses in the short term.

Staying invested for at least 7-10 years is ideal.

Avoid additional lump sum investments if your exposure is already high.

Consider a systematic investment approach for future allocations.

Understanding Absolute Return Funds
Absolute return funds aim to generate positive returns, irrespective of market conditions.

These funds use a mix of equities, debt, and other asset classes.

They focus on stability rather than high growth.

Returns depend on the fund manager’s strategy.

Long-term consistency is key to evaluating performance.

Assessing Your Investment Strategy
Review your overall asset allocation before making further decisions.

If small-cap exposure is above 20% of equity holdings, avoid increasing it.

Keep liquidity needs in mind, as small-cap funds can be volatile.

Compare your absolute return fund’s performance with similar funds.

If underperforming consistently, consider switching to better-managed funds.

Taxation Considerations
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh in equity funds are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

If withdrawing, check tax implications before redeeming.

Final Insights
Small-cap funds need patience and long-term commitment.

Absolute return funds offer stability but need regular performance reviews.

Maintain a balanced portfolio with equity, debt, and liquid assets.

If unsure, consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalised advice.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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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  |1841 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
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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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