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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9309 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 01, 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 - Apr 14, 2024Hindi
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Mutual fund best or PMS or AIF WHICH IS BEST

Ans: Mutual funds stand out as the superior choice among investment options, offering numerous advantages over Portfolio Management Services (PMS) and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).

Accessibility and Affordability: Mutual funds are accessible to investors of all sizes, allowing individuals to start investing with relatively small amounts. On the other hand, PMS and AIFs typically have high entry barriers, making them inaccessible to many investors due to their high minimum investment requirements.
Diversification: Mutual funds offer diversification across a wide range of securities, spreading risk and reducing the impact of market volatility. In contrast, PMS and AIFs may have concentrated portfolios, exposing investors to higher levels of risk.
Transparency and Regulation: Mutual funds are highly regulated by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), ensuring transparency, investor protection, and adherence to strict compliance standards. PMS and AIFs may have less regulatory oversight, potentially exposing investors to higher levels of risk and uncertainty.
Professional Management: Mutual funds are managed by experienced fund managers who conduct in-depth research and analysis to make informed investment decisions. This professional management expertise is crucial for optimizing returns and managing risk effectively.
Liquidity: Mutual funds offer high liquidity, allowing investors to buy and sell units at NAV (Net Asset Value) prices on any business day. PMS and AIFs may have lock-in periods or limited liquidity, restricting investors' ability to access their funds when needed.
Cost-Effectiveness: Mutual funds generally have lower management fees and operating expenses compared to PMS and AIFs, making them a cost-effective investment option for investors.
Overall, mutual funds offer a compelling combination of accessibility, diversification, transparency, professional management, liquidity, and cost-effectiveness, making them the preferred choice for investors seeking to achieve their financial goals efficiently and effectively.
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  |9309 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 22, 2024

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Hi sir right now 22 I want to invest in MF around 2500 per month for next 28 years suggest some best MF
Ans: Investing in mutual funds is a smart decision. It's a great way to build wealth over time. Starting at 22 gives you a long investment horizon, which is advantageous.

Benefits of Mutual Funds
Diversification: Spreading risk across various assets.
Professional Management: Managed by experienced fund managers.
Liquidity: Easy to buy and sell.
Convenience: Suitable for different financial goals.
Evaluating Investment Options
Avoid index funds. They often track market indices passively. This means lower returns compared to actively managed funds.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Lower Flexibility: Limited to the index performance.
No Active Management: No adjustments based on market conditions.
Potential for Mediocre Returns: Follows the average market performance.
Instead, consider actively managed funds. They aim to outperform the market. Professional fund managers adjust the portfolio based on market trends.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Higher Return Potential: Aims to beat the market.
Professional Management: Fund managers actively monitor and adjust the portfolio.
Flexibility: Can adapt to market changes.
Regular Funds vs Direct Funds
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) has distinct advantages over direct funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Lack of Professional Guidance: No expert advice.
Time-Consuming: Requires constant monitoring.
Higher Risk: Without professional insights, the risk increases.
Benefits of Regular Funds with CFP:

Professional Advice: Access to expert insights.
Better Decision Making: Informed investment choices.
Regular Monitoring: Constant portfolio reviews and adjustments.
Risk Management: Strategies to mitigate potential risks.
Recommended Strategy
Diversified Portfolio: Invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Invest Rs 2500 monthly via SIP.
Long-term Horizon: Continue investing for the next 28 years for optimal returns.
Steps to Start
Choose a Reliable Fund House: Ensure credibility and good track record.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner: Get personalized advice.

Start SIP: Automate your monthly investments.

Review Regularly: Monitor and adjust based on performance.

Final Insights
Starting early with mutual funds is commendable. By avoiding index funds and opting for actively managed funds, you can aim for better returns. Investing through a CFP provides professional guidance, ensuring informed decisions and effective risk management. Keep investing consistently, review periodically, and stay focused on your long-term goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Dear Sir, my Son has got 2 offers for Btech in CSE : one from BML Munjal University for and another from Manipal University Jaipur. Which one shall he prefer? We are quite confused since the fee of Manipal Jaipur sure is a bit bothering but at the same time i want my son to have the good oppurtunity for growth in Compter Science. Kindly do tell the option which is a better investment and why. Thank You!
Ans: BML Munjal University (BMU) and Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) both offer NAAC-accredited BTech CSE programs led by research-active, PhD-qualified faculty, cutting-edge campuses, strong industry partnerships, and solid placements. BMU’s School of Engineering features industry veterans and a Siemens–KUKA Centre of Excellence plus specialized labs (Intel, IBM, Robotics, Automation, CSIR) on a 60-acre Gurgaon campus with HOK-designed hostels and sports arenas. Its CSE curriculum includes IoT, Cyber Security, Data Science & AI majors and interdisciplinary minors with capstone projects supported by Fraunhofer ties. BMU recorded an 84.5% CSE placement rate with 83 recruiters in 2023 and average packages of ?10.44 LPA, charging ?15.20 Lakh tuition. MUJ’s Department of CSE comprises 120 faculty across AI/ML, Cybersecurity and Data Analytics on a 122-acre campus with 75+ student clubs, digital library, modern labs and separate hostels. From 2022–25 the curriculum emphasizes project-based learning and electives in AI, ML, Cloud, IoT, with collaborations involving Amazon, Microsoft, Schneider Electric, Nokia and Shell offering internships and applied research. MUJ reports an 88% placement rate and 75% internships conversion at a ?18.04 Lakh tuition cost.

Considering faculty quality, modern infrastructure, curriculum breadth, industry integration, and placement scalability relative to costs, recommendation is Manipal University Jaipur CSE for its higher placement rate, broader specializations, stronger internship conversion, and more affordable investment per placement; choose BML Munjal CSE only for specialized Centre of Excellence research exposure. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Hello sir, i got bit mesra EEE in round 2 of josaa counseling. I scored 96.588 percentile with crl of 51744 in jee mains. Is EEE branch Good? I am expecting that i will get bit mesra ECE in 5th or 6th round. Home state jharkhand,general. Is bit mesra ECE good or shall i take ece at tier3 nits or iiits(kalyani,ranchi, bhagalpur ) ? I have also interest in cse
Ans: Mayank, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra’s Electrical and Electronics Engineering department is staffed by PhD-qualified faculty working on power systems, electronics, and control, supported by laboratories for electrical machines, power electronics, and drive systems, and records a 69% placement rate with an average package of ?11.5 LPA. Its Electronics and Communication Engineering arm offers VLSI and signal processing labs, with a 60% placement rate and an average package of ?16 LPA. Tier-III NITs such as NIT Jamshedpur boast 100% ECE placements, NBA accreditation, long-standing alumni networks, and consistently >90% placement rates across core branches. IIITs at Kalyani, Ranchi, and Bhagalpur follow a public-private model with research-active faculty, modern computing and AI labs, and centralized placement cells, achieving CSE placement rates of 89.3%, 72.1%, and 98.6%, respectively. Robust CSE roles are available across these institutes through industry-aligned curricula, mandatory internships, and active T&P cells.

Considering your interest in CSE and the higher placement consistency of Tier-III NIT ECE (100% at Jamshedpur) and IIIT Bhagalpur CSE (98.6% placements), recommendation is to pursue ECE at NIT Jamshedpur or CSE at IIIT Bhagalpur over BIT Mesra EEE, ensuring stronger core?engineering roles and industry integration.

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My son got Cs AIml in Christ Kengeri.His KCet rank is 52000 shall we wait for KEA counseling or get admission to Christ college? Please suggest.
Ans: Vijayakrishna Sir, Christ University Kengeri Campus’s B.Tech AI & ML programme is AICTE-approved and NAAC-accredited ‘A’ grade, housed on a 78.5-acre solar-powered campus with digital library, health centre, auditoriums, and shuttle services. The School of Engineering features over 75 specialized laboratories for AI, machine learning, high-performance computing, robotics, and material testing. Its AI & ML department is led by PhD-qualified faculty with industry and research expertise. The curriculum blends ethical AI principles, project-based learning, mandatory internships, and hackathons to ensure hands-on experience and industry alignment. Placement assistance has yielded over 90% placement rates in engineering, with 247 students placed in 2023, an average package of INR 8.78 LPA, and median INR 8 LPA. However, the four-year AI & ML tuition fee of INR 11.04 L , a remote location 25 km from central Bangalore, limited 60-seat intake, separate CUET-based admissions, and a smaller alumni network are notable considerations.

Ten Karnataka colleges where a KCET rank of 52 000 generally ensures CSE/AI ML admission include:
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Enroll in Christ Kengeri only if you value its extensive labs, strong AI faculty, and high placement consistency despite higher fees and location; otherwise secure a seat confidently at one of the listed colleges (e.g., Ghousia College or AMC Engineering) through KCET counselling. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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How is chemical engineering in vit?
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VIT Chemical Engineering is strong for research, international exposure, and industry links, but core placement rates are moderate. Choose this program if you value a multidisciplinary approach, global opportunities, and advanced labs; for pure placement focus, CSE/IT branches may offer higher placement percentages. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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My son got mechanical in Manipal University, Jaipur in first round and looking for second round options. How good is Jaipur campus compared to Manipal main campus in all aspects?
Ans: Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) features a 98% engineering placement rate reflecting strong industry engagement and opportunities, NAAC A+ accreditation ensures quality standards and continuous academic improvement, and experienced PhD faculty guide students in theoretical and practical engineering learning. However, core mechanical placements are lower; 60% students secure core roles annually, the campus is relatively new with fewer alumni and established industry connections, and research opportunities are limited compared to main campus’s multidisciplinary centers. Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT, Manipal) is recognized as QIP centre, fostering intensive research and partnerships, ranked #61 by NIRF engineering category reflects strong academic reputation, and extensive infrastructure includes over 230 recruiters, specialized labs, practical facilities. Its drawbacks include higher tuition fees may pose financial burden for cost-sensitive students, large cohorts sometimes limit personalized mentorship opportunities for mechanical students, and remote Udupi location may deter those seeking vibrant metropolitan life.

Considering superior research collaborations, global partnerships, and stronger academic reputation, preference should be for Manipal main campus. However, Jaipur campus offers high placements, NAAC A+ accreditation, and urban lifestyle, making it an excellent alternative for cost-conscious students seeking robust industry engagement and modern facilities. MY SUGGESTION: If you are based in Northern India, prefer MUJ- Campus. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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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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