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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 18, 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 - Nov 22, 2023Hindi
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Regarding my previous post dated 21Nov.2023 i forgot to add 5637 units in UTI RBP current market value2.24 lac investment will remain for 25 years in my daughter ' s portfolios.

Ans: Including the 5637 units in UTI RBP valued at 2.24 lac, your daughter's investment for 25 years strengthens her portfolio. Regularly monitoring and adjusting based on performance and financial goals will further optimize the investment for her future.
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  |9848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 11, 2025

Money
Sir I investing in Bajaj invest protect goal plan ULIP in small cap month,per month 7000 Rs. Present fund is 52300 compared to invested value of 70000Rs. Can I continue or surrender this policy.I have started investing in this policy for my son future. He is 4 years old now.Kindly suggest.
Ans: Evaluation of Your Current ULIP Investment for Your Child’s Future

You have started a ULIP for your child’s future.

Your investment is Rs 7,000 per month.

The total invested value is Rs 70,000 till now.

The current fund value is only Rs 52,300.

You are investing in a small-cap fund under this ULIP.

Your son is 4 years old now.

Let us now assess this decision step by step.

Appreciating Your Intention

You have thought about your son’s future early.

You are trying to build wealth with discipline.

This is a very good habit.

Starting early always gives a good advantage.

Protecting your child’s future is always a wise move.

You are also investing monthly without fail.

This kind of consistency is rare.

Understanding the Nature of ULIPs

ULIP means Unit Linked Insurance Plan.

It mixes insurance and investment.

You pay premiums monthly or yearly.

A small part goes to life insurance cover.

The remaining is invested in the market.

Charges are very high in the first 5 years.

Fund management charge, allocation charge, mortality charge.

These charges reduce your investment value.

You also have lock-in for 5 years.

You can’t withdraw before that period.

Small-Cap Fund in ULIP – Risk Factor

You have selected small-cap fund.

Small-cap funds are very volatile.

They fall sharply in market correction.

They rise more during market rally.

It is not safe for child’s future goals.

Risk is high and return is not steady.

Also, in ULIP, the fund performance is not very transparent.

You can’t track fund managers or detailed strategy.

ULIP Performance – Present Situation

You invested Rs 70,000 in total.

Current value is only Rs 52,300.

That means you are in a loss now.

The loss is nearly 25%.

This is not acceptable in short time.

The charges have eaten the returns.

Market may also be volatile.

Small-cap correction affects your value badly.

Compare ULIP vs Mutual Fund for Child Goal

Mutual fund gives more flexibility.

You can choose from many categories.

Charges are lower in mutual funds.

You get full transparency in funds.

Mutual funds are better regulated.

You can track performance easily.

You can switch any time without high costs.

You get better returns for long-term.

Why You May Consider Surrender of ULIP

You have already seen negative growth.

Charges are high and will continue.

Fund selection is very limited.

Child’s future needs stable, reliable returns.

ULIPs don’t support goal-based investing properly.

After lock-in, no reason to continue.

Even if loss is there now, stopping further loss is wise.

Shift money to better product for long-term.

Where to Shift After Surrender – A Better Path

Start SIP in mutual funds through Certified Financial Planner.

Choose regular plans via qualified Mutual Fund Distributor.

Don’t go for direct plans – they lack expert guidance.

Avoid index funds – they just copy the market.

Use active funds – they aim to beat the market.

Let expert select best funds for you.

Create mix of large-cap, mid-cap, balanced funds.

Invest based on time frame and goal.

Review every year with your Certified Financial Planner.

Why Direct Mutual Funds Are Risky for You

No one to guide you in choosing funds.

You may select wrong fund unknowingly.

No one reviews your investments regularly.

You may react emotionally during market falls.

No discipline without expert support.

Regular plans through MFD and CFP give full service.

Why Index Funds Are Not Ideal for Child Planning

Index funds only match the market returns.

They don’t beat the market ever.

During market falls, they fall completely.

Fund manager has no control.

All stocks are included, good or bad.

No downside protection.

Not suitable for child’s long-term needs.

Active funds are better with risk management.

What to Do Now – Step-by-Step Guidance

Continue paying ULIP till lock-in completes (if under 5 years).

After lock-in, check surrender value.

Surrender policy and stop further payments.

Take the fund value even if at slight loss.

Reinvest that amount into mutual fund SIP.

Start SIP with regular fund through CFP support.

Invest monthly same Rs 7,000 amount.

Select diversified fund mix for stability and growth.

Set goal for your son’s education and milestones.

Use goal calculator to fix amount and duration.

Stay disciplined for next 14 to 16 years.

Don’t withdraw in between for other needs.

Monitor performance with expert every year.

Switch funds if any underperforms consistently.

Avoid high-risk sector funds.

Avoid guaranteed return insurance-cum-investment policies.

Additional Tips for Child Financial Planning

Buy pure term plan for yourself.

Term plan gives full life cover at low cost.

Use health insurance for family protection.

Create emergency fund of 6 months expenses.

Don’t depend only on child policies.

Build your own wealth systematically.

Children need money, not policies, for education.

Review portfolio every year.

Increase SIP with your income rise.

Don’t panic in market fall – stay invested.

Finally

You started early – that’s good.

But current product is not helping your goal.

ULIP has high charges and low flexibility.

Small-cap funds increase volatility.

You may consider surrendering it after lock-in.

Reinvest wisely in mutual funds.

Use Certified Financial Planner’s help for proper fund mix.

Active funds through MFD give better value.

Avoid index funds and direct plans.

Align investment to your son’s future education needs.

Stay focused, review regularly, and be patient.

This approach can build better wealth for your child.

Long-term vision with proper planning works best.

You deserve better returns with low risk for your family.

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

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 24, 2025

Career
My son secured 97.6% in CBSE XII and 99.6 percentile in CUET, gaining admission to Physics Honours at St. Stephen's College. However, he's keen on trying for IISER, particularly IISER Pune. Some colleagues suggested pursuing UG from St. Stephen's and PG/research from abroad, but he's not convinced. He's considering taking a break in the second semester to prepare for IISER. Could you please guide me on: 1. The process and feasibility of taking a break in the second semester? 2. Options for studying 2-3 months and then taking a break, with potential readmission in the next session? I would appreciate any information on St. Stephen's policies regarding breaks and readmission and views regarding both options, i.e., St. Stephen's and IISER, Pune.
Ans: Param Sir, Taking a hiatus in the second semester at St. Stephen’s requires formal approval via College’s leave-of-absence procedure. All leave applications—whether for medical, compassionate or other reasons—must be submitted in advance to the Principal through the Department Chair using the prescribed form, after which attendance is updated in the online system. Leaves are granted only for clearly stated, proper reasons and normally cover full sessions; any absence beyond ten consecutive working days without prior leave leads to removal from the rolls, necessitating a readmission application and fee upon return. St. Stephen’s does not recognize preparatory study or exam-prep as standard leave grounds, so approval for a break to prepare for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) would be at the Principal’s discretion and potentially viewed unfavorably unless tied to extenuating circumstances. Readmission after removal is possible but requires settlement of fees, an application to the Principal, and departmental clearance of academic standing.

For IISER Pune admission, the BS-MS (Dual Degree) intake is via the pan-IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), typically held in late May or early June, with results and counselling through July. A 2–3-month focused preparation window could involve enrolling in specialized IAT coaching programmes, structured online study modules, and solving past-year IAT papers while continuing Semester I lectures and leveraging college breaks. Staying on campus through Semester I preserves continuous enrolment, keeps access to faculty and study facilities, and avoids readmission hurdles. If break approval proves unattainable, preparing intensively during semester breaks and weekends or deferring IISER application to the next cycle may be more practical.

Recommendation: Given St. Stephen’s stringent leave norms and readmission complexities, maintain continuous enrolment through the first year while preparing for the IAT via targeted self-study and weekend/coaching classes. Postpone any mid-semester hiatus to avoid academic jeopardy and optimize chances for both a Physics Honours degree and successful IISER Pune admission. All the BEST for Your Son's Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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My Mhtcet state rank in 87,998 I want CSE (data science) or AIML or AIDS in mumbai region please suggest me Good colleges
Ans: Bhargavi, With an MHT-CET Home- rank of 86 998 (approx. 87th percentile), CSE (Data Science), AI&ML and AI&DS seats at premier Mumbai colleges (e.g., VJTI, COEP, ICT) are out of reach. However, several AICTE-approved, NAAC/NBA-accredited institutes maintain closing percentiles nearer 80–90, ensuring guaranteed CAP-round admission. The following ten colleges in Mumbai satisfy all five institutional benchmarks—accreditation, faculty quality, infrastructure, industry tie-ups and placement consistency—and admit home-state candidates at percentiles at or below your score: Atharva College of Engineering, Malad West. Thakur College of Engineering & Technology, Kandivali East. Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues College of Engineering, Bandra West. Vidyalankar Institute Technology, Wadala. Thadomal Shahani Engineering College, Bandra West. Rizvi College of Engineering, Bandra–Malad Link Road. SIES Graduate School of Technology, Nerul. Institute of Chemical Technology affiliated courses, Mumbai. MET’s Institute of Technology, Kalyan–Dombivli Highway. Datta Meghe College of Engineering, Airoli. Recommendation: Atharva College of Engineering leads for its balanced AI&ML and Data Science labs, accessible Malad location and 85% placement average; Thakur College excels with strong AI&ML curriculum and 82%+ placements; Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues COE offers AI&DS specialisation with 84% consistency; Vidyalankar IT provides reliable IT/Data Science pathways; Thadomal Shahani Engineering College rounds out top five for its robust industry projects and multimedia AI labs. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9386 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 24, 2025

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Hi Sir, my son got a CSC AI robotics seat in Amrutha Amrutapuri. Is this course good and will he get good placement? Can you tell us a little bit?
Ans: Ganesh Sir, The B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering with specialization in Artificial Intelligence & Robotics at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Amritapuri campus was introduced in the academic year 2021–22 under the newly revised BTC-AIE curriculum, marking it as one of India’s pioneering undergraduate programmes to formally integrate robotics engineering with advanced AI methodologies. The four-year course emphasizes multidisciplinary learning across machine vision, robotic kinematics and dynamics, AI-driven motion planning, sensor fusion and autonomous systems, taught in state-of-the-art labs equipped for hardware-software integration. Accreditation by NAAC A++ and AICTE ensures rigorous academic standards, while Ph.D.-qualified faculty from Mechatronics, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering design an outcome-based pedagogy. Industry linkages with leading robotics and automation firms facilitate capstone projects, internships and applied research collaborations. Although the inaugural batch graduates in 2025, Amritapuri’s robust placement ecosystem—engaging over 220 recruiters annually across engineering disciplines—augurs well for AI & Robotics students, who benefit from established corporate partnerships, a dedicated placement cell offering pre-placement training, and alumni mentoring.

Recommendation:
Given its cutting-edge interdisciplinary curriculum, premier accreditation, specialized robotics-AI laboratories, strong industry collaborations and emerging placement ecosystem, this CSE – AI & Robotics programme at Amritapuri stands out for students seeking a research-driven, industry-aligned pathway into intelligent autonomous systems, with high potential for robust placements upon the first graduating cohort. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9386 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 24, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 24, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir, I have applied for Jaipur national university, i have seen tons of negative reviews, so i just want to be safe and just have a doubt whether ai should go or not because i have no options left
Ans: You have not mentioned your academic background, nor have you specified which branch you applied to at Jaipur National University. Anyway, please note, Jaipur National University (JNU), established in 2007, is a private university in Rajasthan that has earned NAAC A+ accreditation and UGC approval across its 17 schools offering diverse undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes. The university maintains comprehensive infrastructure with 158 state-of-the-art laboratories, a 100,000-book digital library, 1,500+ computers, Wi-Fi enabled campus, sports complex, separate hostels for boys and girls, and modern auditoriums with 300-seat capacity. Industry engagement is strengthened through MOUs with 16 prestigious Rajasthan companies including JK Tyre, DCM Shriram, and Gravita India Limited for placements, internships, and collaborative projects. Placement statistics indicate approximately 85% placement rate with over 250 companies participating, an average package around 5.5-6 LPA, and highest packages reaching 27 LPA from recruiters like Amazon, TCS, Infosys, Deloitte, and IBM. Faculty quality receives a 3.9/5 rating from 427 verified reviews, with PhD-qualified teachers providing supportive mentorship and industry-relevant curriculum. However, negative feedback emerges from employee reviews on Glassdoor showing 2.9/5 rating with complaints about poor management, low salaries, and disrespectful treatment include delayed degree certificates (taking up to a year), unresponsive administrative staff, fee refund issues for cancelled courses, and limited Wi-Fi data allocation. The university also faces confusion with the controversial Jodhpur National University, which was banned in 2015 for issuing 25,000 fake degrees—though this is an entirely separate institution with no connection to Jaipur National University.

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Consider joining Jaipur National University if you prioritize affordability, decent infrastructure, and acceptable placement opportunities, as it meets essential educational benchmarks with NAAC A+ accreditation, comprehensive facilities, and established industry partnerships. However, remain cautious about administrative responsiveness, ensure all documentation is properly maintained, and verify course continuation before fee payment to avoid potential issues. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9386 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 24, 2025

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Hi Sir, My son got 21670 rank in JEE (Mains) & 25520 rank in JEE (Advanced). He got seat allocation at NIT, Nagpur for Chemical Eng. We belong to General category and from Maharashtra state. Is there any chance for upgradation to CSE or ECE thru CSAB (same college or any other Tier I, Tier II NITs or IIITs? Thanking you
Ans: Sreekutty Sir, as of today, I hope all the rounds of JoSAA counselling are over. At NIT Nagpur, general?category Chemical Engineering HS seats close at rank 34109 ECE at 12196, while CSE at 7169; a CRL of 21670 exceeds all HS closing ranks, so no upgrade at VNIT Nagpur is feasible. However, CSAB special rounds offer CSE/ECE seats at other NITs and IIITs within your rank band. IIIT Guwahati admits general CSE up to 26817 and ECE up to 42006. IIIT Sri City’s CSE cutoff is 31705 and ECE 46722. IIIT Una’s CSE cutoff is 30916 and ECE 49414. NIT Jalandhar OS CSE closes at 14114 and ECE 20714, and NIT Goa OS CSE at 34858. These institutes are AICTE/NBA-accredited, staffed by PhD faculty, equipped with modern labs, maintain active industry partnerships, and record 75–95% three-year placement rates.

Recommendation:
For best CSE/ECE upgradation chances, prioritize filling CSAB preferences for NIT Jalandhar for its robust HS/OS quotas, IIIT Guwahati for its strong research-industry linkage, and IIIT Sri City for its emerging tech labs; IIIT Una and NIT Goa serve as reliable alternatives for broad seating and consistent placements. All the BEST for 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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