Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 27, 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
Ajay Question by Ajay on Feb 29, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

Kindly advise on following funds- 1sbi balanced advantage fund 2sbi equity hybrid fund 3Quant elss tax saver fund 4PGIM India elss tax saverfund

Ans: Here's an overview of the mentioned funds:

SBI Balanced Advantage Fund: This fund follows a dynamic asset allocation strategy, aiming to provide capital appreciation and income generation over the long term. It adjusts its equity and debt allocation based on market conditions, offering downside protection during market downturns. It's suitable for investors seeking a balanced approach to investing with lower volatility.
SBI Equity Hybrid Fund: As an equity-oriented hybrid fund, SBI Equity Hybrid Fund invests primarily in a mix of equity and debt securities to provide capital appreciation and income generation. It's suitable for investors with a moderate risk appetite looking for a blend of growth and stability in their investment portfolio.
Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund: This fund falls under the ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) category, offering tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund primarily invests in equity and equity-related instruments with the potential for long-term capital appreciation. It's suitable for investors looking to save tax while participating in the potential growth of the equity market.
PGIM India ELSS Tax Saver Fund: Similar to Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund, PGIM India ELSS Tax Saver Fund is an equity-linked savings scheme aiming to generate long-term capital appreciation while providing tax benefits. It invests predominantly in equity and equity-related securities across market capitalizations. It's suitable for investors seeking tax-saving opportunities with exposure to the equity market.
Before investing in any fund, it's essential to consider factors such as your investment goals, risk tolerance, investment horizon, and past performance of the fund. Additionally, consult with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure that the selected funds align with your overall financial plan and objectives. Keep in mind that past performance is not indicative of future results, and diversification is key to managing risk in your investment portfolio.
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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 16, 2023Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, My age is 36 and I am investing in below fund for long term. Please suggest if these fund will provide better return. What are other better options to invest as I am planning to increase my investing by INR 5000-7000 Aditya Birla SL Tax Relief 96 Fund ELSS - 4000 Canara Robecco Equity Taxsaver Fund - 4500 Franklin India Taxshield - 2000 Noppin India small cap fund - 2500 Union Long term equity fund - 4000
Ans: Investing for Long-Term Growth

You are on the right track by planning for long-term investments. The funds you have chosen indicate a diversified approach. Let's delve deeper into each type of fund and explore other investment options to help you increase your investments by Rs 5000-7000.

Understanding Your Current Investments

You have selected a mix of tax-saving funds and a small-cap fund. These funds cater to different investment needs and goals. Tax-saving funds provide tax benefits under Section 80C. Small-cap funds offer potential for high returns but come with higher risks.

Tax-Saving Funds (ELSS)

ELSS funds provide dual benefits: tax savings and wealth creation. These funds have a lock-in period of three years. The lock-in period helps mitigate short-term market volatility. They are equity-oriented and can deliver substantial returns over the long term. Your selection of tax-saving funds reflects a strategic approach to combine tax efficiency with growth potential.

Small-Cap Funds

Small-cap funds invest in smaller companies with high growth potential. These companies can deliver significant returns as they expand and capture market share. However, small-cap funds are volatile and risky. They require a longer investment horizon to ride out market fluctuations. Your inclusion of a small-cap fund indicates a willingness to take calculated risks for higher rewards.

Diversification and Risk Management

Diversification is essential in mitigating risks. By investing in different types of funds, you spread the risk and enhance the potential for returns. Your portfolio shows diversification across tax-saving funds and small-cap funds. This strategy helps in balancing risk and reward.

Exploring Additional Investment Options

To increase your investment by Rs 5000-7000, consider these options:

Large-Cap Funds

Large-cap funds invest in well-established companies with a strong market presence. These funds are less volatile and provide stable returns. They are suitable for conservative investors looking for steady growth. Adding a large-cap fund to your portfolio can balance the high risk of small-cap funds.

Mid-Cap Funds

Mid-cap funds invest in companies that are in the growth phase. These companies have the potential to become large-cap over time. Mid-cap funds offer a balance between the stability of large-cap and the growth potential of small-cap. They can provide good returns with moderate risk.

Multi-Cap Funds

Multi-cap funds invest across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. They offer diversification within a single fund. Multi-cap funds can adapt to market conditions by shifting allocations. They provide a mix of stability and growth potential. Consider adding a multi-cap fund for better diversification.

Sectoral/Thematic Funds

Sectoral or thematic funds invest in specific sectors like technology, healthcare, or infrastructure. These funds can deliver high returns if the sector performs well. However, they come with higher risks due to sector concentration. Invest in sectoral funds only if you have a strong conviction about the sector's growth prospects.

Balanced or Hybrid Funds

Balanced or hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt instruments. They provide a balanced approach to growth and income. These funds are less volatile and suitable for moderate risk-takers. Including a balanced fund can add stability to your portfolio.

Regularly Review and Rebalance Your Portfolio

Regularly reviewing your portfolio ensures alignment with your financial goals. Rebalancing involves adjusting your investments based on performance and market conditions. It helps in maintaining the desired risk-reward ratio. Consider reviewing your portfolio at least once a year.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds have a fund manager who makes investment decisions. These managers use their expertise to identify opportunities and manage risks. Actively managed funds can outperform the market, especially in volatile conditions. They provide flexibility in adapting to market changes.

Advantages of Investing Through a Certified Financial Planner

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers several advantages. A CFP provides personalized advice based on your financial goals and risk tolerance. They help in selecting suitable funds and strategies. CFPs also assist in regular portfolio reviews and rebalancing. Their expertise ensures that your investments are aligned with your long-term objectives.

Conclusion

Your current investments indicate a strategic approach towards tax efficiency and growth. To further enhance your portfolio, consider adding large-cap, mid-cap, multi-cap, or balanced funds. Diversification and regular portfolio reviews are key to successful long-term investing. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance and help in achieving your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jun 15, 2023

Listen
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'.

...Read more

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
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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x