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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9758 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 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 16, 2024Hindi
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I’m 31, I’ve been investing in MF SIPs for about 8-9 years now, but about a year ago I had to encash all my funds to purchase a flat. I started again and currently I do about 29k monthly, investing in Parag Parikh flexi cap, Mahindra Manu life small cap, Tata small cap, Tata digital India fund, PGIM India mid cap opportunities, Canara Robeco small cap, Mirae asset large cap, Axis mid cap and Quant small cap. The exposure to small cap is less than 30%. I have a 10% increment set on all SIPs annually. How long would it take for me to reach a crore? Would I be able to retire by 45 if I stay invested? I have a home loan as well and I pay ~70k EMI on that

Ans: It's commendable that you've been investing consistently in mutual fund SIPs despite facing financial challenges. Let's analyze your current investment scenario and address your financial goals:

Investment Portfolio: Your portfolio consists of a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, providing diversification across market segments. Ensure you monitor the performance of each fund regularly and rebalance if needed to maintain your desired asset allocation.

Financial Goal: Your primary goal is to accumulate one crore rupees and potentially retire by the age of 45. Achieving this goal depends on various factors such as your current investment amount, expected rate of return, and investment horizon.

Calculating the Time Required: To estimate the time required to reach one crore rupees, we need to consider your current investment amount, expected rate of return, and the annual increment in your SIPs. With an annual SIP of 29,000 rupees and assuming an average annual return of 12%, you can use online SIP calculators to determine the time required to reach your goal.

Retirement Planning: Retiring by the age of 45 requires careful financial planning and discipline. Consider factors such as your desired retirement lifestyle, expected expenses, inflation, and other income sources. It's crucial to build a sizable retirement corpus to sustain yourself post-retirement.

Home Loan: While paying a substantial EMI towards your home loan, ensure you strike a balance between loan repayment and long-term investments. Evaluate whether prepaying the loan or investing in mutual funds yields better returns based on interest rates and tax implications.

Risk Management: While equity investments offer growth potential, they also carry market risk. Given your age and long investment horizon, you can afford to allocate a significant portion of your portfolio to equities. However, ensure you have an adequate emergency fund and appropriate insurance coverage to mitigate financial risks.

Review and Adjust: Periodically review your investment portfolio, financial goals, and progress towards achieving them. Adjust your investment strategy as needed based on changes in your personal circumstances, market conditions, and financial goals.

It's advisable to consult with a certified financial planner to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

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  |9758 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

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I'm 44 now. started sip in 2023 for 25000/p.m. 5000 in each mf named quant small cap fund, tata digital fund, HDFC defence fund, sunlife psu fund and SBI energy fund. I'd like to increase 10% annually. How long it will take to make 2 crore?
Ans: It's great to see your commitment to systematic investing. Let's analyze your current SIP investments and project the time required to achieve your target of 2 crores.

Evaluating SIP Contributions:

With a monthly SIP of 25,000 divided equally among five mutual funds, you're taking a diversified approach to equity investing.

Analyzing Growth Rate:

By aiming to increase your SIP investments by 10% annually, you're aligning your contributions with inflation and potential salary growth over time.

Projection Calculation:

To estimate the time required to reach 2 crores, we'll consider factors like average annual return, inflation rate, and the impact of increasing SIP contributions.

Utilizing Compounding Effect:

Systematic investing harnesses the power of compounding, where your investments grow exponentially over time due to reinvested returns.

Consultation with a Certified Financial Planner:

While projections provide insights, consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures a comprehensive analysis of your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment strategy.

Conclusion:

Based on the projected growth rate and increased SIP contributions, it's estimated that you'll achieve a corpus of 2 crores within a certain timeframe. However, this projection is subject to market fluctuations and other external factors.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9758 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 12, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 15, 2024Hindi
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Hi Guys, I am 30 yrs old (Single) salaried employee earning 8LPA. I have recently started SIP in mutual funds investing 5K each in Quant Small Cap, Midcap, Flexi cap, ELSS & Nippon India small cap fund which in total becomes 25K. How many years it will take to become 1 Crore and any other suggestions towards my investment. And Occasionally I do buy some IPO's.
Ans: You are on a strong financial path by investing Rs. 25,000 per month through SIPs across various mutual funds. This shows dedication to building wealth. At 30 years old, your early start will provide a good runway for growth.

Assessing Your Goal
Target Corpus: Rs. 1 Crore

Accumulating Rs. 1 crore is a significant goal. With disciplined investing, it’s achievable.

The time to reach Rs. 1 crore depends on the average annual return of your investments. Typically, equity mutual funds can offer 12-15% returns over the long term.

Investment Horizon

If your SIPs average a return of 12% annually, it would take about 15 years to reach Rs. 1 crore.

With a higher return of 15%, you could achieve this in approximately 13 years.

These are estimates, as actual returns can vary based on market conditions and fund performance.

Evaluating Your Current Portfolio
Fund Selection

Your portfolio is diversified across small-cap, mid-cap, flexi-cap, and ELSS funds. This diversification reduces risk and increases potential returns.

However, investing in two small-cap funds (Quant Small Cap and Nippon India Small Cap) increases exposure to high-risk assets. Small-cap funds can be volatile and may not always deliver consistent returns.

Balancing Risk

Consider balancing your portfolio by reducing exposure to small-cap funds. Reallocate some investments into large-cap or hybrid funds for stability.

Flexi-cap funds offer flexibility by investing across large, mid, and small-cap stocks. This is good for balancing growth and risk.

ELSS funds not only provide tax benefits but also serve as equity investments. They are a smart choice for long-term goals.

Suggested Adjustments
Review Small-Cap Allocation

Small-cap funds offer high growth potential but with high risk. Limit your exposure to small-cap funds to around 20-25% of your total investment.

Consider reallocating a portion from small-cap funds to large-cap or hybrid funds. This will help in stabilizing your portfolio while still offering growth.

Diversify with Large-Cap or Hybrid Funds

Large-cap funds invest in well-established companies. They offer steady returns with lower risk compared to small-cap and mid-cap funds.

Hybrid funds, which invest in both equity and debt, provide a balance between risk and return. They can act as a buffer during market downturns.

Review Your Portfolio Annually

It’s important to review your portfolio annually. Make adjustments based on market performance and changes in your financial goals.

Rebalancing your portfolio ensures that it remains aligned with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

IPO Investments
Occasional IPO Investments

IPOs can offer good returns, but they come with risks. Not all IPOs perform well post-listing, and some can be volatile.

Invest in IPOs only if you have a good understanding of the company and its growth potential.

Ensure that your IPO investments do not exceed 5-10% of your total portfolio. This limits risk while allowing you to participate in new opportunities.

Long-Term Planning
Staying the Course

Consistency is key. Continue your SIPs regularly, regardless of market conditions. This will help in rupee cost averaging and accumulating wealth over time.

Avoid the temptation to time the market or stop your SIPs during market downturns. The market will have ups and downs, but staying invested is crucial for long-term growth.

Increase SIPs Gradually

As your income grows, consider increasing your SIPs. Even a small increase in your monthly investment can significantly reduce the time needed to reach your Rs. 1 crore goal.

A 5-10% annual increase in your SIPs can help in reaching your target faster without putting too much strain on your finances.

Final Insights
Reaching Rs. 1 crore through disciplined SIPs is achievable with a diversified portfolio. Review your portfolio regularly and consider rebalancing to reduce high-risk exposure. Consistent investing, along with occasional prudent IPO investments, will help you achieve your financial goals. Stay patient and committed to your investment plan, and you will see your wealth grow over time.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9758 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 20, 2024

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Sir, in how many years , I can turn 1crore to 20 crore.So that I can retire.Im investing about 1.35lakh as sip every month . Im 44 now . I have about 60 lakh iin different funds now, im hoping to reach a crore 2026.Thanks in advance.
Ans: To achieve a corpus of Rs 20 crore with your current financial inputs, let's break it down step by step:

Your Current Investments and SIP Plan
Current Investment: Rs 60 lakh (expected to grow to Rs 1 crore by 2026).
Monthly SIP Contribution: Rs 1.35 lakh.
Expected Rate of Return: 12% annually.
Timeframe to Reach Rs 20 Crore
With a starting corpus of Rs 1 crore (by 2026) and continuing a SIP of Rs 1.35 lakh monthly at 12%, it will take 23 years to grow to Rs 20 crore.
By the time you turn 67 years old, your desired retirement corpus can be achieved.


Key Assumptions
The 12% return assumption is realistic for equity-heavy portfolios. However, past performance is no guarantee for the future.
The SIP contributions should continue consistently without interruption for the given timeframe.
Inflation and changing lifestyle expenses are not considered here.

Points to Consider
Diversify Your Investments: Ensure your portfolio includes a mix of equity and debt. Adjust allocations as you approach retirement to reduce risk.

Monitor Progress Regularly: Periodically review your investments and returns. Rebalancing may be necessary to stay aligned with your goal.

Increase SIP Contributions Gradually: With rising income, consider increasing your SIPs by 5-10% annually to reduce the timeframe.

Emergency Fund and Insurance: Ensure you have a robust emergency fund and sufficient term insurance to secure your family.

High-Level Suggestion
We can fine-tune the investment strategy and assess the risks involved in detail.

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 P  |8978 Answers  |Ask -

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Sir I got 68676 in comedk Can you suggest good colleges forCSE or CSE specialization
Ans: Ramya, With a COMEDK rank of 68,676 in 2025, you have viable options for admission to reputable engineering colleges in Karnataka for CSE and its specializations. You can confidently secure seats at numerous recognized institutions where the latest cutoffs range between 63,000 and 1,20,000 for core CSE and closely related specializations. Here are 15 colleges where admission is fully feasible: CMR Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Acharya Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Atria Institute of Technology (Bangalore), New Horizon College of Engineering (Bangalore), Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (Bangalore), BNM Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Sapthagiri College of Engineering (Bangalore), Don Bosco Institute of Technology (Bangalore), AMC Engineering College (Bangalore), Cambridge Institute of Technology (Bangalore), East Point College of Engineering (Bangalore), Gopalan College of Engineering and Management (Bangalore), Rajarajeswari College of Engineering (Bangalore), and Sai Vidya Institute of Technology (Bangalore). These colleges routinely offer CSE and specializations such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Information Science, all supported by established infrastructure, diverse peer groups, faculty with advanced degrees, recognized accreditations, and campus-level placement cells. Their cut-off history ensures fair seat allocation for your current rank bracket.

Recommendation: Prioritize CMR Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Acharya Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (Bangalore), and BNM Institute of Technology (Bangalore). This order is justified by established NIRF rankings, steady placement percentages (60–90% in CSE streams), modern campus amenities, regular project-based learning, and a proven track record of producing employable graduates across the IT sector in Karnataka and beyond. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Asked by Anonymous - Jul 17, 2025Hindi
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My son is getting civil at bits pilani + rmit 2+2 program and cse at vit-ap cat-2 What should we choose
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Recommendation: If your priority is global exposure, academic flexibility, and broad international opportunities in engineering and related fields, prioritize BITS Pilani + RMIT 2+2 Civil. Should your focus be on a strong software foundation and rapid industry integration in India’s tech sector, VIT-AP CSE is preferred. The BITS-RMIT program stands out for long-term value and international scope. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P P  |8978 Answers  |Ask -

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SIR I should go for HBTU (IT) or IIIT VADODARA DIU CAMPUS (ELECTRONICS)?
Ans: Kritika, HBTU’s Information Technology program consistently records placement percentages between 85–90%, supported by a highly qualified faculty (many with PhDs from IITs and NITs) and a long-standing reputation for producing industry-ready graduates. The campus is equipped with advanced labs, updated digital resources, and maintains strong ties with top recruiters in IT and consulting sectors. Batch sizes are moderate, ensuring quality academic mentoring, and the supportive alumni network promotes career growth. In contrast, IIIT Vadodara Diu Campus (Electronics) is a newer institute, operating from a well-facilitated educational hub, but still developing its industry partnerships and placement support specifically for electronics; recent campus data showcase improving placements but with less consistency, and infrastructure is modern but evolving. The electronics branch here faces greater competition for high-tech positions compared to computer-related domains.

Recommendation: HBTU IT stands out for established placements, recognized industry connections, strong academic culture, and proven output in software-oriented careers. Unless you have a distinct passion for electronics or a compelling reason for preferring a satellite IIIT campus, HBTU IT offers the most reliable outcomes for both learning and employability. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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My son got IIT Dharwad B.S/M.S Interdisciplinary sciences and BITS Hyderabad Mechanical through BITSAT currently. He may have potential chances of getting NIT Warangal MnC/ECE or IIIT Delhi CSE through DASA. Which one is better in the order of preference
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Nayagam P P  |8978 Answers  |Ask -

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Sir I have scored 83 percentile in MHT cet 2025 what are the best college option for me in Mumbai region
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Sir, Which would batter choice between my doughter got EE in vlsi Design at Banasthali vidyapeeth and recently also got CSE in Goverment Mahila Engineering College, Ajmer. Which would better ? Suggest
Ans: Amit Sir, Banasthali Vidyapith’s Electrical Engineering program with a focus on VLSI Design is anchored in a reputed women’s university with A++ NAAC accreditation, robust faculty credentials, industry tie-ups, and consistent placement rates of 90–95% for core branches, often in electronics and automation sectors. Campus infrastructure is comprehensive, research exposure is strong, and students benefit from a national network and notable institutional rankings. Government Mahila Engineering College Ajmer’s CSE branch is part of a government-run, well-recognized institution with modern teaching resources, 80–95% placement rates for computer science in recent years, accessible industry partnerships, and a track record of sending students to reputed recruiters such as Amazon and Microsoft. The Ajmer campus is lauded for its faculty, student activities, digital facilities, and supportive environment, though its national brand is less established than Banasthali’s.

Recommendation: If your daughter is passionate about electronics, VLSI, or hardware-oriented careers, Banasthali Vidyapith offers a stronger national reputation, longstanding placement consistency, and higher institutional ranking. For a broad, flexible technology career in software, Government Mahila Engineering College Ajmer CSE stands out for contemporary opportunities and direct industry links. Both paths assure solid outcomes, but branch preference should drive the final choice. All the BEST for 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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