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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 02, 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 - Jun 22, 2024Hindi
Money

Hi My salary is 50k and I have started investing 10k in Tanishq golden harvest scheme for future gold. I have savings of almost 11 lakh and something so I am planning to put the whole amount in fd for three years on Bajaj finance fd plan? Is it good? Also I started a sip of 10k monthly in et money quant less fund so I am sure if i should continue it or stop it?

Ans: It's wonderful that you're taking steps to secure your financial future. Let's discuss your current investment choices and how you can optimize them for better returns.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
Income and Investments:

Salary: Rs 50,000/month
Tanishq Golden Harvest Scheme: Rs 10,000/month
SIP in ET Money Quant Less Fund: Rs 10,000/month
Savings: Rs 11 lakhs
Planned Investments:

Bajaj Finance FD for 3 years
Evaluating Tanishq Golden Harvest Scheme
The Tanishq Golden Harvest Scheme allows you to save for gold purchases. However, it has some limitations and risks:

Lack of Flexibility:

The scheme is primarily for buying gold, limiting your options.
You might get better returns by investing in more versatile assets.
Gold Price Volatility:

Gold prices can be volatile and may not always increase.
Your returns depend on gold price movements at the time of maturity.
Better Alternatives:

Investing in a diversified mutual fund can provide better returns.
Gold ETFs or mutual funds offer more flexibility and market-linked returns.
Assessing Bajaj Finance FD
Fixed Deposits (FDs) are a safe investment, but they come with their own set of drawbacks:

Low Returns:

FD interest rates are generally low and may not keep up with inflation.
Over time, the real value of your money might decrease.
Tax Implications:

Interest earned from FDs is fully taxable.
This reduces the overall returns from the FD.
Better Alternatives:

Mutual funds offer the potential for higher returns.
They are more tax-efficient, especially for long-term investments.
Evaluating ET Money Quant Less Fund SIP
Your investment in ET Money Quant Less Fund needs careful consideration:

Actively Managed Funds:

Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform index funds.
They are managed by professionals who aim to beat market returns.
Fund Performance:

Regularly review the performance of your mutual fund.
If it consistently underperforms, consider switching to a better-performing fund.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner:

Get personalized advice from a Certified Financial Planner.
They can help you choose funds that align with your financial goals.
Optimizing Your Investments
Let's look at better investment options and strategies to maximize your returns:

Diversified Mutual Funds
Higher Returns:

Diversified mutual funds typically offer higher returns compared to FDs.
They invest in a mix of equities and debt instruments.
Risk Management:

Diversification reduces the overall risk of your investment portfolio.
Choose a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds for balanced growth.
Power of Compounding:

Start early to benefit from compounding over time.
Reinvest dividends and interest to maximize growth.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Discipline and Regularity:

SIPs promote regular investing and financial discipline.
They allow you to invest small amounts regularly, reducing market risk.
Rupee Cost Averaging:

SIPs average out the purchase cost of units over time.
This reduces the impact of market volatility.
Long-Term Growth:

SIPs in equity mutual funds can provide significant long-term growth.
They are ideal for building a corpus for future goals.
Gold ETFs and Gold Mutual Funds
Flexibility:

Gold ETFs and gold mutual funds offer more flexibility than schemes like Tanishq Golden Harvest.
They are market-linked and can be bought or sold easily.
Better Returns:

These options often provide better returns compared to physical gold schemes.
They also eliminate storage and security concerns.
Tax Planning and Efficiency
Tax-Efficient Investments:

Equity mutual funds and certain debt funds are more tax-efficient.
Long-term capital gains from equity mutual funds are taxed at a lower rate.
Section 80C Deductions:

Invest in tax-saving instruments like ELSS funds under Section 80C.
This helps reduce your taxable income and saves money.
Emergency Fund Management
Adequate Emergency Fund:
Maintain an emergency fund of 6-12 months of expenses.
Keep it in a high-interest savings account or a liquid mutual fund for easy access.
Final Insights
To achieve your financial goals, consider the following steps:

Reallocate Investments:

Avoid the Tanishq Golden Harvest Scheme and Bajaj Finance FD.
Invest in diversified mutual funds for better returns and flexibility.
Increase SIP Contributions:

Gradually increase your SIP contributions as your income grows.
This enhances your investment corpus over time.
Regular Reviews:

Review your investment portfolio every 6 months.
Adjust your investments based on performance and changing financial goals.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner:

Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner for personalized investment strategies.
They can help you optimize your portfolio and achieve your financial objectives.
By making informed investment choices and staying disciplined, you can build a substantial corpus and secure your financial future.

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 -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

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Hello Mr Lala, I am 42 and I am investing in the following schemes. some for close to 8/9 years now. Please let me know your thoughts. Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Fund-Reg(G) - 5000, MOTILAL OSWAL M100 ETF - 2500 (STEPUP - 20% YoY), Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund(G) - 5000, Quant Focused Fund(G) - 5000, SBI Small Cap Fund-Reg(G) - 5000, Tata ELSS Tax Saver Fund-Reg(G) - 1000, HDFC SMALL CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH PLAN - 1000, AXIS BLUECHIP FUND-GROWTH - 1000, Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FoF - 2500 Besides these I have off late started investing 15K in equities every month with the help of a SEBI Registered advisor. Yearly out go in PPF - 21600. My idea is to hold on to equities for the long term hence mostly blue chip stocks. I have also invested in Term Insurance - 75L. Besides that I do invest in ESPP and also hold some RSUs Please evaluate & let me know your thoughts. My liabilities are - HL - 36K monthly out go - 14 years left Car Loan - 31K 4 years left Monthly Salary - 2.3L
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach to investing and financial planning. Let's review your current investment portfolio:

• Firstly, investing in a mix of mutual funds, ETFs, and direct equity demonstrates a diversified approach to wealth creation, which is crucial for managing risk effectively.

• Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Fund, SBI Small Cap Fund, and HDFC Small Cap Fund offer exposure to different segments of the market, providing diversification benefits.

• Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund and Tata ELSS Tax Saver Fund are tax-saving investments that offer potential tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. It's essential to review their performance and compare them with peers periodically.

• Axis Bluechip Fund and Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FoF focus on blue-chip stocks and global equities, respectively, providing exposure to different geographies and sectors.

• Investing in PPF is a prudent move for long-term wealth accumulation, given its tax benefits and safety. However, it's essential to ensure that your overall portfolio is adequately diversified across asset classes.

• Term insurance coverage of 75 lakhs is commendable and ensures financial protection for your loved ones in case of any unforeseen events.

• Holding some of your investments in ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan) and RSUs (Restricted Stock Units) can complement your overall investment strategy, but it's crucial to diversify beyond company-specific investments.

• Regarding your liabilities, it's good to see that you have a clear picture of your outstanding home loan and car loan. It's essential to manage these liabilities efficiently while focusing on wealth creation.

In conclusion, your investment portfolio reflects a balanced approach to wealth creation, with a mix of mutual funds, direct equity, and tax-saving instruments. However, it's essential to regularly review your portfolio's performance, reassess your financial goals, and make adjustments as needed. Keep up the good work, and here's to your continued financial success!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Dear Sir, I have approx 2.6cr in fd + i invest about 1 lakh per month in sip in multiple fund and i am planning to continue this for next 18yrs till i retire. As of now i have accumulated 70 lakh in mf, 50 lakh in ppf and epf put together and will continue till i retire after which only i am planning to withdraw and have no loans running. I have also opened ppf in my 2 kids name and depositing in that also 3 lakh per year Pls advise if this is a good strategy or should i plan to change my investment style. I am planning to exit with approx 20cr after 18yrs will this plan be sufficient to meet my dream expectation
Ans: Assessing Your Long-Term Financial Plan for Retirement
Current Financial Position
With approximately 2.6 crores in fixed deposits and consistent investments of 1 lakh per month in SIPs across multiple funds, you've laid a solid foundation for your retirement. Your allocation of 70 lakhs in mutual funds and 50 lakhs in PPF and EPF combined reflects a balanced approach to wealth accumulation.

Long-Term Investment Horizon
Planning to continue your SIPs for the next 18 years until retirement demonstrates a commendable commitment to long-term wealth creation. By leveraging the power of compounding and disciplined investing, you're well-positioned to achieve your retirement goals.

Evaluating Investment Allocation
Your diversified investment portfolio comprising mutual funds, PPF, and EPF offers a mix of growth and stability, aligning with your long-term financial objectives. Additionally, opening PPF accounts in your children's names and contributing 3 lakhs per year reflects a thoughtful approach towards their financial future.

Analyzing Retirement Corpus Target
With a target to accumulate approximately 20 crores by the time you retire, it's essential to assess the feasibility of your plan. Consider factors such as inflation, investment returns, and lifestyle expenses to determine if your target corpus aligns with your retirement needs and aspirations.

Mitigating Risks and Enhancing Returns
Review your investment strategy periodically to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to optimize your asset allocation, maximize returns, and mitigate potential risks.

Revisiting Your Retirement Plan
Given the dynamic nature of financial markets and changing life circumstances, periodically review and adjust your retirement plan as needed. Reassess your investment allocation, contribution amounts, and retirement goals to ensure they remain realistic and achievable.

Conclusion
Your current investment strategy, characterized by disciplined SIPs, diversified asset allocation, and long-term perspective, lays a strong foundation for achieving your retirement goals. By continuing to follow this prudent approach and seeking professional guidance when needed, you're on track to realizing your dream of retiring with a substantial corpus of 20 crores.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 14, 2024Hindi
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Pls advise My age is 50 yrs Started mutual fund investment now Icici pru opportunities fund Direct growth 1k Icici pru equity n debt direct growth 1.5k Sbi advantage drect growth 50000,Hdfc midcap opportunities 10000 Kotak opportunities fund direct 10000 OnlySip started pls advise is it fine amd Other Sip pls suggest Total investment 3.30 k SBI contra Sip 10000
Ans: Current Financial Situation
You are 50 years old.

You have started investing in mutual funds recently.

Existing Investments
ICICI Pru Opportunities Fund Direct Growth: Rs 1,000 SIP.

ICICI Pru Equity & Debt Direct Growth: Rs 1,500 SIP.

SBI Advantage Direct Growth: Rs 50,000 lump sum.

HDFC Midcap Opportunities: Rs 10,000 lump sum.

Kotak Opportunities Fund Direct Growth: Rs 10,000 lump sum.

SBI Contra Fund SIP: Rs 10,000.

Evaluation and Analysis
Investment Mix
Your investments are diversified across equity, hybrid, and contra funds.

This mix provides a balance between growth and stability.

SIPs and Lump Sum Investments
SIPs are beneficial for averaging out market volatility over time.

Lump sum investments in midcap and opportunities funds add potential for higher returns.

Recommendations
Continue Current SIPs
Your current SIPs in ICICI Pru Opportunities and ICICI Pru Equity & Debt are good for diversification.

Continue with these SIPs for consistent growth.

Review Lump Sum Investments
Your lump sum investments in SBI Advantage, HDFC Midcap Opportunities, and Kotak Opportunities Fund are well-placed.

Keep these investments but review their performance annually.

Additional SIPs
To further diversify and strengthen your portfolio, consider adding the following SIPs:

Large Cap Fund: Invest Rs 5,000 monthly. This will provide stability and steady growth.

Flexi Cap Fund: Invest Rs 5,000 monthly. This fund adjusts investments across market caps based on market conditions.

International Fund: Invest Rs 3,000 monthly. This adds geographical diversification and reduces country-specific risks.

Increase in Existing SIPs
Increase your SIP in ICICI Pru Opportunities Fund to Rs 3,000. This fund has good growth potential.

Increase your SIP in ICICI Pru Equity & Debt to Rs 3,000. This hybrid fund balances risk and return.

Health Insurance
Ensure you have a comprehensive health insurance plan. This is crucial at your age to cover medical emergencies.
Retirement Planning
Aim to invest at least 20% of your monthly income towards retirement funds.

Consider investing in a mix of equity and debt mutual funds for balanced growth.

Final Insights
Your diversified investment strategy is commendable. Continue your existing SIPs and consider adding new ones.

Increase your SIP amounts in high-potential funds.

Secure comprehensive health insurance to cover medical expenses.

Review your portfolio annually with a Certified Financial Planner to stay aligned with your financial goals.

Aim for a balanced portfolio that includes large cap, flexi cap, and international funds for robust growth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 26, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 55,yrs ,will retire in 60,take home salary is 62000,ppf corpus is 3lac with monthly pf,vpf deductions at 10000 by me over and above employer contribution of 3000, innwhich 1250 goes to eps,ppf 80000 with monthly contribution of 1000 only,fd of 70k,plan to invest 50k every year till retirement,sip 11000 monthly started 2yrs back and to continue till 60, nps corpus 14lac, monthly contribution is 5k. Eligible for gratuity as will complete 35 yrs by retirement, plus have house in mumbai worth 1.25cr.i am a single women with one son who is earning well. planning to buy gold and silver in the next 4 yrs whatever possible till 60. Am I on.the right track
Ans: Your Current Financial Position
Let us summarise your financial picture:

Age: 55 years

Retirement Age: 60 years (5 years left)

Monthly Take-home: Rs. 62,000

PPF Corpus: Rs. 3 lakhs

PPF Contribution: Rs. 1,000 monthly

PF + VPF Contribution: Rs. 10,000 monthly

Employer PF: Rs. 3,000 monthly (including Rs. 1,250 EPS)

FD Holding: Rs. 70,000

SIP: Rs. 11,000 monthly (started 2 years ago)

Annual Lump Sum Investment: Rs. 50,000

NPS Corpus: Rs. 14 lakhs (Rs. 5,000 monthly contribution)

Gratuity Eligible: Yes (35 years service by 60)

Owned Property: House in Mumbai (worth Rs. 1.25 crore)

Family: Single woman with earning son

Goal: Plan to buy gold and silver till retirement

You are already working hard and planning for your future. Let’s now assess each area step-by-step.

Retirement Readiness at 60
You have 5 years before retirement. That is a tight window. Every rupee now matters.

Current Retirement Assets

EPF/VPF: Growing monthly

PPF: Small but active

SIP: Rs. 11,000 per month in equity funds

NPS: Rs. 14 lakhs corpus and growing

FD: Rs. 70,000 – can be part of emergency

House: Use only as residence, not an investment

Action Plan

Continue all contributions without breaks

Do not withdraw from PF, NPS, or mutual funds

Increase SIP and PPF if income allows

Avoid gold and silver as they don’t generate income

Do not buy more physical assets now

Focus on building retirement income sources

You should create multiple income streams after 60.

SWP from mutual funds

Partial annuity from NPS if needed

EPF withdrawal in stages

Interest from debt mutual funds or FDs

Gratuity to be invested wisely

EPF + VPF Strategy
EPF is your main retirement vehicle. You contribute Rs. 10,000 monthly.

Assessment

Employer adds Rs. 3,000 monthly

1,250 goes to EPS (less return)

So, Rs. 11,750 per month grows steadily

Keep it until retirement

Withdraw only after age 60

Don't use for gold or house repairs

Action Points

VPF is giving decent tax-free return

Avoid stopping or reducing it

Let compound growth work fully till 60

Don't withdraw early even for gold

NPS Strategy
Your NPS corpus is Rs. 14 lakhs. Monthly Rs. 5,000 is invested.

Assessment

You have only 5 years left

Aggressive equity exposure may be risky now

Gradually reduce equity to protect capital

Target at least Rs. 22 to 25 lakhs by 60

After 60, withdraw 60% as lump sum

Use 40% for mandatory annuity if needed

But avoid full annuity route. Returns are poor

Taxation Rules

NPS maturity is tax-exempt on 60% lump sum

Annuity income will be taxable yearly

Plan withdrawals carefully to reduce tax impact

PPF Strategy
Your PPF corpus is Rs. 3 lakhs. You contribute Rs. 1,000 per month.

Assessment

Contribution is low

You can invest up to Rs. 1.5 lakhs per year

Use it to park lump sum like Rs. 50,000 yearly

PPF is safe, tax-free, and locked till age 60

Returns are better than bank FD

Continue till age 60 and withdraw fully then

Can be used for emergency or low-risk needs

Mutual Funds (SIP)
Your SIP of Rs. 11,000 is 2 years old. This is a strong step.

Assessment

SIP will help build post-retirement income

It also helps beat inflation

Since you have 5 years, go for low-risk equity allocation

Gradually shift from equity to hybrid or debt in last 2 years

Do not stop SIPs. Do not redeem early

Lump Sum Investment Plan

Rs. 50,000 yearly till retirement is good

Invest through regular plans via MFD

Don’t use direct funds. They miss proper guidance

Use actively managed funds, not index funds

Index funds do not outperform in all cycles

An experienced MFD can help review your funds annually

Always link SIPs to a purpose – retirement, health, liquidity

Fixed Deposits
You have Rs. 70,000 in FD. That’s a start, but not enough for safety.

Action Plan

Build emergency fund of Rs. 3 to 5 lakhs

Use sweep-in FDs or liquid mutual funds

Don’t lock all savings in long FDs

Keep some amount easily accessible

Avoid using FDs to buy gold or silver

Buying Gold and Silver
You plan to buy gold and silver till retirement.

Assessment

This is not a priority now

They don’t generate income

Value may rise, but return is uncertain

Avoid heavy allocation towards metals

Instead, invest in financial assets

Action Plan

Small allocation is fine for sentimental reason

Limit to 5% of total assets

Avoid jewellery. Prefer sovereign gold bonds

But only if retirement goals are fully funded

Real Estate Holding
You own a house worth Rs. 1.25 crore in Mumbai.

Analysis

This is a good support in retirement

Use it only as residence

Do not sell unless absolutely required

Do not mortgage it for loans

Avoid investing further in property

Real estate is illiquid and involves high cost

Retirement Budget and Income Strategy
You should prepare a clear retirement income plan.

Expected Retirement Benefits

EPF corpus

NPS corpus

PPF maturity

Mutual fund SIP value

Gratuity amount

Interest from emergency corpus

Optional: Son’s support (only if offered)

Income Sources

SWP from mutual funds

PPF withdrawals

NPS lump sum withdrawal

EPF partial withdrawal

Gratuity invested into low-risk fund

Don’t Depend on One Source

Combine all into a monthly drawdown plan

Review tax efficiency

Use MF SWP carefully to reduce LTCG tax

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%

STCG from equity is taxed at 20%

Plan redemptions carefully post-60

Role of Your Son
Your son is earning well. But don’t depend fully on him.

Create your own retirement income

Maintain financial independence

You can accept occasional support but don’t expect regular help

Stay in your own house

Keep emergency medical fund ready

Consider health insurance if not yet taken

Health Insurance and Contingency Planning
You didn’t mention health insurance. It’s critical post-60.

Action Plan

Buy individual health cover if not already done

Take minimum cover of Rs. 10 lakhs

Higher cover preferred if affordable

Don’t rely only on employer’s policy

Ensure cashless facility in nearby hospitals

Renew policy without gaps

Build medical fund of Rs. 3 to 5 lakhs

Key Areas to Focus Over Next 5 Years
Increase SIP if income allows

Top-up PPF with lump sum annually

Avoid buying more gold and real estate

Build emergency and health corpus

Review MF performance every year

Gradually shift risky funds to safer funds

Stay invested till 60 in all products

Don’t withdraw early from NPS or EPF

Plan withdrawals based on tax rules

Don’t depend on any one product for all goals

Finally
You are on the right track in many ways

But avoid emotional purchases like gold

Retirement is just 5 years away

Make every investment count

Use a Certified Financial Planner to align all assets

Choose regular mutual funds through trusted MFD

Stay disciplined and avoid unnecessary risks

Keep focus on safety, stability, and steady growth

Let your assets generate income, not expenses

Independence is the best gift in retirement

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

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!

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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.

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