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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 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 - Jul 15, 2024Hindi
Money

Is investment on sbi Automotive mutual funding is good? n

Ans: Sectoral funds focus on specific sectors of the economy. This means they invest in companies within a particular industry, such as automotive. While this can offer high returns during a sector boom, it also comes with higher risks. The performance of these funds is tied to the performance of the sector. If the sector faces a downturn, the fund's performance may suffer significantly.

Risks and Rewards
Investing in sectoral funds can be rewarding if the sector experiences growth. However, the risk is also high because the fund's performance is tied to a single sector. For example, an automotive mutual fund would perform well when the automotive industry is booming. Conversely, if the sector faces challenges, such as regulatory changes, economic downturns, or technological disruptions, the fund's performance may decline.

Sector Volatility
The automotive sector, like many others, is subject to various factors that can influence its performance. These factors include changes in consumer preferences, fuel prices, technological advancements, and economic conditions. Such volatility can lead to unpredictable returns. Investors must be prepared for the potential ups and downs when investing in a sectoral fund.

Diversified Funds: A Balanced Approach
Diversified funds invest across various sectors. This spreads the risk and offers more stability. The fund manager makes decisions about which sectors to invest in and when to rotate investments. This professional management can help mitigate risks and provide more consistent returns. A diversified fund can still benefit from growth in sectors like automotive but with reduced risk.

Professional Management
In diversified funds, the fund manager plays a crucial role. They conduct thorough research and analysis to select the best sectors and stocks. This includes deciding when to enter or exit a sector. This active management helps in adapting to market changes and seizing opportunities. Investors benefit from the expertise and experience of the fund manager.

The Case for Diversification
Diversification is a key strategy in investment. It involves spreading investments across different assets to reduce risk. By investing in a diversified fund, you are not overly reliant on one sector. This can help protect your investments during market volatility. Diversified funds offer exposure to various sectors, providing a balanced risk-return profile.

Sectoral Funds vs. Diversified Funds: An Analytical Comparison
Return Potential: Sectoral funds can offer high returns if the sector performs well. However, diversified funds can provide more consistent returns over time. This is due to the spread of investments across various sectors.

Risk: Sectoral funds carry higher risk due to their focus on a single sector. Diversified funds have lower risk as they spread investments across multiple sectors. This reduces the impact of poor performance in any one sector.

Management: Sectoral funds require a deep understanding of the specific sector. Diversified funds benefit from the expertise of fund managers in selecting and rotating sectors.

Volatility: Sectoral funds can be highly volatile. Diversified funds offer more stability due to the spread of investments.


Investing can be daunting, especially with the multitude of options available. It's essential to align your investments with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Sectoral funds can be appealing due to their potential for high returns. However, they also require a higher risk appetite. Diversified funds offer a balanced approach, suitable for most investors.


Kudos to you for considering mutual funds as part of your investment strategy. Mutual funds are an excellent way to participate in the stock market with professional management. They offer the benefit of diversification, even within sectoral funds. Your proactive approach to managing your finances is commendable.

Assessing SBI Automotive Mutual Fund
SBI Automotive Mutual Fund is a sectoral fund focusing on the automotive industry. While it has the potential to perform well during sector booms, it also carries significant risks. The automotive sector is influenced by various factors, including economic conditions, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. These factors can lead to volatility in the fund's performance.

Evaluating Sectoral Fund Performance
When evaluating sectoral funds, it's essential to consider their past performance. Look at how the fund has performed during different market conditions. However, past performance is not always indicative of future results. It's also crucial to understand the factors driving the sector's performance and the fund manager's strategy.

Diversified Funds: A Safer Bet
For most investors, diversified funds are a safer bet. They offer exposure to multiple sectors, reducing the risk associated with any one sector. The professional management of diversified funds ensures that investments are rotated based on market conditions. This can help in achieving more consistent returns over time.

Importance of Regular Reviews
Investing is not a one-time activity. It's essential to review your investments regularly. This helps in ensuring that your portfolio remains aligned with your financial goals. Regular reviews also provide an opportunity to make necessary adjustments based on market conditions and personal circumstances.

The Role of a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide valuable guidance in making investment decisions. They can help assess your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon. A CFP can also recommend a suitable investment strategy, whether it's sectoral funds or diversified funds. Their expertise can help in navigating the complexities of the investment landscape.

Benefits of Active Management
Active management in mutual funds involves the fund manager making decisions about which stocks or sectors to invest in. This contrasts with passive management, where the fund follows an index. Active management can provide better returns by capitalizing on market opportunities. However, it also involves higher fees due to the expertise and research involved.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds, while popular, have certain drawbacks. They follow a predetermined index and do not adapt to market changes. This can lead to missed opportunities for higher returns. Active management, on the other hand, can adjust to market conditions and make strategic investments. This flexibility can result in better performance.

Benefits of Investing through a Certified Financial Planner
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers several benefits. A CFP can provide personalized investment advice based on your financial goals and risk tolerance. They can help in selecting suitable mutual funds and managing your portfolio. Investing through a CFP ensures that you receive professional guidance and support in achieving your financial objectives.

Final Insights
Investing in SBI Automotive Mutual Fund can be rewarding during sector growth. However, it also comes with higher risks due to its focus on the automotive sector. Diversified funds offer a more balanced approach, with professional management and exposure to multiple sectors. This can help in achieving consistent returns with lower risk. Regular reviews and the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner can enhance your investment strategy.


Your consideration of mutual funds, whether sectoral or diversified, shows a proactive approach to financial planning. It's commendable that you are exploring various investment options to achieve your financial goals. Keep up the good work, and continue to seek professional advice to make informed decisions.

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  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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Hello Sir I m investing 9000 in SBI small cap & 9000 in Quant small cap in Feb'2024. Also 6000 in Parag Parikh Flexi Cap and 6000 in Quant Flexi Cap for the period for 20+ years. Please review my funds. Is these are good to continue.
Ans: It's commendable that you're investing with a long-term horizon in mind. Let's review your fund choices:

SBI Small Cap: Small-cap funds typically carry higher risk but also the potential for higher returns over the long term. Given your investment horizon of 20+ years, investing in small-cap funds can be a sound strategy, as they have the potential to outperform over extended periods.

Quant Small Cap: Similar to SBI Small Cap, Quant Small Cap also falls into the small-cap category. It's essential to understand that small-cap funds can be volatile in the short term but may offer significant growth opportunities over the long run.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap: Flexi-cap funds provide flexibility to invest across market capitalizations based on market conditions. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap is known for its diversified approach and focus on quality stocks. It's a suitable choice for long-term investors seeking exposure to a mix of large, mid, and small-cap stocks.

Quant Flexi Cap: Flexi-cap funds like Quant Flexi Cap offer flexibility in asset allocation, allowing the fund manager to adapt to changing market conditions. While Quant Flexi Cap may provide growth opportunities, it's essential to monitor its performance and ensure it aligns with your investment objectives.

Overall, your fund selection reflects a diversified approach across small-cap and flexi-cap categories, which can potentially provide robust growth prospects over the long term. However, it's essential to regularly review your investments to ensure they remain aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner periodically to reassess your investment strategy and make any necessary adjustments based on changing market dynamics and personal circumstances.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
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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!

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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

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

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