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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9865 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 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
Sandip Question by Sandip on May 07, 2024Hindi
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Thank you, Sir. I'll keep revisiting my MF portfolio and make adjustments when needed. Should I increase my PPF amount?

Ans: Yes. You can increase PPF contribution.
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  |9865 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 01, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 10, 2024Hindi
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Below is my MF Portfolio(with Profit/Loss). Investing for the past 1.5 Years (SIP : 2000rs each) HDFC Focused 30 Fund - Regular Plan - Growth --> 15.04% HDFC MID-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND - GROWTH OPTION --> 14.46% HDFC LARGE AND MID CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWT --> 13.15% HDFC Top 100 Fund - Regular Plan - Growth --> 12.9% HDFC Balance Advantage Fund - Regular Plan - Growth --> 12.36% NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP FUND - GROWTH PLAN - GROWTH --> 10.78% HDFC SMALL CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH --> 9.2% SBI Large & Midcap Fund Regular Growth --> 7.19% ICICI Prudential Savings Fund - Growth --> 4.47% SBI MAGNUM GLOBAL FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH --> -0.73% Should I continue or make any changes ? Please do suggest My Objective is to invest for Long Term. Returns should exceed the inflation(anything above that is bonus).
Ans: Your MF portfolio demonstrates a diversified mix of funds, reflecting your intention to invest for the long term. It's commendable that you've been consistently investing through SIPs, as this strategy promotes disciplined investing and helps navigate market volatility.

Considering your objective of investing for the long term and aiming for returns that exceed inflation, here are a few suggestions:

Review Fund Performance: Evaluate the performance of each fund relative to its benchmark and peers. Funds that consistently underperform may warrant reconsideration.
Asset Allocation: Ensure your portfolio maintains a balanced allocation across different asset classes, including large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. This diversification helps manage risk and capture growth opportunities across market segments.
Rebalance if Necessary: If any fund significantly deviates from its intended allocation or fails to meet performance expectations, consider reallocating your investments accordingly.
Stay Informed: Keep abreast of market developments, economic trends, and fund manager changes that may impact your investments. Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals.
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner: Seeking professional advice can provide valuable insights and help you make informed decisions about your investments. A financial planner can assess your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial objectives to provide personalized recommendations.
Remember, investing for the long term requires patience and discipline. While short-term fluctuations are inevitable, staying focused on your financial goals will help you navigate market volatility and achieve long-term success.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9865 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi Sir I’m 39 Male. I’m investing in MF from start of this year for buying a house and for retirement. I’m planning to invest long for next 15-20 yrs. Also I have 3-4 loans which will get finished next year 2025 end. So I’m planning to start increase my MF amount considerably. Please review my portfolio and let me know if I have to remove, add or make any changes Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 fund direct growth 1500 PM UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund 1000 PM ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund Direct Growth 1000 PM HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund Direct Growth 1000 PM HDFC Midcap Oppurtunities Fund Direct Plan Growth 1000 PM AXIS Small Cap Fund Direct Growth 1000 PM JM Value Fund Direct Growth 1000 PM Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Direct 1000 PM Nippon India Corporate Bond Fund Direct Growth plan 1000 PM P2P investment 3500 PM for 3 yrs at 15% fixed return
Ans: It's excellent to see your commitment towards investing for both short-term goals like buying a house and long-term goals like retirement. Let's review your portfolio and suggest any adjustments:
1. Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 Fund Direct Growth: This fund provides exposure to the top 100 companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange, offering diversification and growth potential in the global tech sector. It can be a suitable addition for long-term wealth accumulation.
2. UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund: Investing in an index fund like UTI Nifty 50 offers exposure to the top 50 companies in the Indian equity market. It provides stability and diversification, complementing your other equity investments.
3. ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund Direct Growth: Bluechip funds focus on large-cap stocks with strong fundamentals, making them relatively less volatile. It's a prudent choice for stability and capital preservation.
4. HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund Direct Growth: This fund dynamically manages its equity exposure based on market conditions, offering a blend of growth and downside protection. It can be suitable for investors seeking a balanced approach.
5. HDFC Midcap Opportunities Fund Direct Plan Growth and AXIS Small Cap Fund Direct Growth: These funds provide exposure to mid-cap and small-cap segments, respectively, offering growth potential but with higher volatility. Ensure you're comfortable with the risk associated with these segments.
6. JM Value Fund Direct Growth and Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Direct: Both these funds follow value investing principles and focus on investing in fundamentally sound companies at reasonable valuations. They can be suitable for long-term wealth creation.
7. Nippon India Corporate Bond Fund Direct Growth: Investing in a corporate bond fund provides stability and income generation through fixed-income securities. It's a prudent choice for diversification and managing risk.
8. P2P Investment: Peer-to-peer lending can offer attractive returns but comes with higher risk compared to traditional investments. Ensure you've assessed the risk-reward profile and have a diversified portfolio to mitigate risks.
Index Funds:
• Index funds offer broad market exposure by tracking a specific index, such as the Nifty 50 or the Nasdaq 100. They provide diversification and low-cost access to the market, making them suitable for long-term investors.
• However, index funds are passively managed, meaning they aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index rather than outperforming it. While this reduces management fees and turnover costs, it also limits the potential for alpha generation.
• As a result, index funds may not capture opportunities for outperformance during market upswings or provide downside protection during downturns. Investors seeking higher returns may prefer actively managed funds that aim to outperform the market through strategic stock selection and portfolio management.
Direct Funds:
• Direct funds allow investors to purchase mutual fund units directly from the asset management company, bypassing intermediaries like distributors or brokers. This can result in lower expense ratios compared to regular funds, as there are no distributor commissions involved.
• However, direct fund investors are responsible for conducting their own research, selecting suitable funds, and monitoring their investments. This requires a certain level of financial literacy and investment expertise to make informed decisions.
• On the other hand, investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who holds the necessary credentials and expertise can provide valuable guidance and support. A CFP can help investors navigate the complexities of the financial markets, select appropriate investment strategies, and optimize their portfolio allocations based on individual goals and risk tolerance.
Considering your investment portfolio, it's essential to evaluate the role of both index funds and direct funds in achieving your financial objectives. While index funds offer cost-effective market exposure, direct funds provide the potential for active management and outperformance.
As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), I recommend a balanced approach that incorporates both index funds and direct funds based on your risk profile and investment goals. Periodic reviews of your portfolio and ongoing guidance from a CFP can help ensure that your investment strategy remains aligned with your evolving needs and objectives.
Remember, investing is a journey, and it's essential to stay informed, stay disciplined, and seek professional guidance when needed. With the right approach and support, you can navigate the financial markets with confidence and work towards achieving your long-term financial goals.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9865 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 25, 2025

Money
Please review my MF portfolio. My monthly SIP is 18000/- per month. Current portfolio value is 1.5 Lakh. 1. ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund - 4000 2. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund - 4000 3. Nippon India small cap - 4000 4. HDFC balanced advantage fund- 2000 5. Motilal oswal Midcap fund - 2000 6. JM Aggressive Hybrid Fund - 1000 7. Bandhan Nifty Alpha Low Volatility 30 Index - 1000 (NFO) Traditional investments are as follows, and the current value is 15 Lakh. 1. EPF - 44000/- per month 2. NPS - 22000/- per month 3. RD - 20000/- Per month to build an emergency fund. I am planning to increase my SIP from 18000 to 60000 every month. Please let me know if I need any changes in my portfolio. I am planning to build a portfolio of 5 crore in the next 15 years. Currently, I am 35 years and planning to retire by the age of 50 years.
Ans: Your financial plan is well-structured, and your investment discipline is strong. You have a clear retirement goal and an aggressive investment approach. However, there are areas where you can optimize your portfolio for better returns and lower risk.

Let’s analyze your portfolio from a 360-degree perspective.

1. Strengths of Your Current Portfolio
Your investment approach is well-planned. Here’s what you are doing right:

Disciplined SIP investment – You have a regular SIP plan in equity mutual funds.

Diversified portfolio – You have exposure to large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, flexi-cap, and hybrid funds.

Strong traditional investments – EPF and NPS provide stability in retirement.

Emergency fund planning – Your recurring deposit ensures liquidity for unexpected expenses.

Increasing SIPs – Scaling up SIPs from Rs 18,000 to Rs 60,000 will help wealth creation.

Your financial discipline will help you reach your Rs 5 crore target.

2. Issues in Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
While your portfolio is diversified, some adjustments can improve performance.

Over-Diversification
You have too many funds across categories.

Too many funds dilute returns and make tracking difficult.

Having 4-5 well-chosen funds is better than 7-8 average funds.

Index Fund Exposure
One of your funds is an index fund.

Index funds cannot beat the market, while actively managed funds can.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) helps select the best actively managed funds.

Hybrid Funds and Overlapping Categories
You hold two hybrid funds, which can limit aggressive growth.

These funds are not necessary when you have EPF and NPS.

Adjusting these issues will enhance your returns.

3. Optimizing Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
Here’s how you can make your portfolio more efficient:

Reduce the Number of Funds
Keep 4-5 funds for focused wealth creation.

Large-cap, flexi-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds provide balanced exposure.

Avoid hybrid funds as EPF and NPS already offer stability.

Exit Index Fund
Actively managed funds provide better long-term returns.

Fund managers adjust portfolios based on market conditions.

An index fund will not protect during market corrections.

Adjust Your Portfolio Allocation
Large-cap fund – 30% allocation for stability.

Flexi-cap fund – 30% allocation for fund manager flexibility.

Mid-cap fund – 20% allocation for higher growth potential.

Small-cap fund – 20% allocation for aggressive wealth creation.

This will balance risk and return effectively.

4. Optimizing Traditional Investments
Your traditional investments are strong, but they can be more efficient.

EPF Contribution
EPF is a safe investment with tax benefits.

However, it provides lower returns compared to equity.

Consider redirecting a small portion towards equity SIPs for higher growth.

NPS Contribution
NPS is a good tax-saving tool but has withdrawal restrictions.

You can keep investing but ensure a higher allocation in equity within NPS.

Recurring Deposit for Emergency Fund
RDs are good for liquidity but offer low returns.

Instead, keep emergency funds in a liquid mutual fund for better returns.

A balanced approach between safety and growth is necessary.

5. Increasing SIPs from Rs 18,000 to Rs 60,000
Your plan to increase SIPs is excellent. However, proper allocation is required.

Large-cap fund – Increase SIP from Rs 4,000 to Rs 15,000.

Flexi-cap fund – Increase SIP from Rs 4,000 to Rs 15,000.

Mid-cap fund – Increase SIP from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000.

Small-cap fund – Increase SIP from Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000.

Liquid fund – Allocate Rs 10,000 for short-term needs.

This ensures strong wealth creation while maintaining liquidity.

6. Expected Growth and Retirement Planning
With disciplined investing, you can achieve your Rs 5 crore goal.

Equity SIPs – Higher allocation ensures compounding benefits.

Traditional investments – EPF and NPS provide stability.

Emergency fund – Ensures liquidity for unexpected needs.

Your current path is excellent. Minor adjustments will enhance your wealth creation journey.

Finally
You are on the right track towards financial freedom. Your disciplined investment approach is commendable. However, some refinements will optimize your returns.

Reduce over-diversification and exit underperforming funds.

Replace index funds with actively managed funds for better returns.

Allocate SIPs strategically for better risk-reward balance.

Re-evaluate traditional investments to maximize efficiency.

Ensure liquidity through a liquid fund instead of an RD.

With these adjustments, you can achieve your Rs 5 crore target confidently.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9586 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Career
SO dear sir continuing the same question "Differnce between CE and CSE" which should i choose CE at Shri Vishwakarma Skill University or CSE At IKGPTU MOHALI
Ans: Ansh, Based on the following insights/information, your interests & long-term goals, choose the more suitable option for you: Computer Engineering at Shri Vishwakarma Skill University (SVSU), Haryana, is designed with an industry-integrated curriculum emphasizing practical, skill-based learning, offering hands-on experience in AI, data science, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. SVSU follows a dual-education model inspired by the German system, where students actively engage with industry partners through on-the-job training and real-world projects, enhancing employability. The university boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and expert faculty, but being a newer state university, its placement outcomes are growing, with placement rates reported up to 81% and median salaries between ?1.9–2.2L in recent years, predominantly in regional and emerging IT sectors. IKGPTU Mohali, meanwhile, provides a traditional B.Tech CSE program with dedicated specializations and larger intakes, supported by well-qualified faculty, ICT-enabled classrooms, and strong academic-industry linkages in Punjab’s prominent IT hub. Placement records at IKGPTU Mohali indicate 44% placement for B.Tech 2023 graduates and a median package of ?5L, with recruiters like TCS, Infosys, and HDFC Bank regularly conducting drives. The Mohali campus is centrally located with robust infrastructure, reputed alumni, and career support through joint campus placement drives and specialized training programs.

CSE at IKGPTU Mohali is the preferred option for its higher placement rate, better industry connectivity, advanced infrastructure, and stronger reputation within the IT sector, making it a more reliable pathway to robust career opportunities in computer science compared to SVSU Computer Engineering. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9586 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 28, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir,Still Not got answer .Please answer .My JEE Main rank is 24935 .I have also chance to get dual degree in BITSAT .How is dual degree of BITSAT ?whether it is apt to join in anticipation of getting CS or EC there afterwards .I have other option to get top Branches through JEE Main Marks .Viz; BIT Mesra ,IIITs ,Lower NITs
Ans: The BITSAT dual degree program, offered mainly at BITS Pilani and Goa campuses, is a five-year integrated course that awards both an MSc and a BE degree. The unique feature is that students admitted to MSc programs can “slide” into sought-after BE branches—including CSE (Computer Science) and ECE (Electronics & Communication)—after the first year, subject to branch change rules based on cumulative CGPA. Historically, a high CGPA (typically above 8.0–8.5) in the first two semesters is required for a successful transfer into BE CSE or ECE, making it competitive but attainable for focused, hard-working students. Dual degree holders benefit from rigorous interdisciplinary training and robust placement support, with BITS Pilani consistently recording strong placement percentages for both BE and dual degree graduates in top tech firms and core sectors. The key challenge is heavy academic load, especially during the third and fourth years, balancing requirements of both degrees, and maintaining high grades to ensure preferred branch allocation. However, dualites enjoy the flexibility to specialize further, and their exposure to science and engineering enhances employability compared to many single-degree peers. In contrast, top branches at BIT Mesra, IIITs (like IIIT Hyderabad or Bangalore), and lower NITs offer well-established BTech programs with high placement rates (around 75% for CSE at BIT Mesra, many IIITs exceeding 80–90%, and most NITs/IIITs providing reliable industry linkages, alumni networks, and diverse placements). Cutoffs for core branches like CSE or ECE at these institutes usually hover around your JEE rank, so you stand a realistic chance of securing a seat. BIT Mesra and leading IIITs provide excellent campus life, updated infrastructure, research opportunities, and corporate visibility, with direct entry into CSE or allied branches.

Recommendation
In order of preference, BITS Pilani or Goa dual degree (if you are committed to keeping a high CGPA for CSE/ECE branch change) is an outstanding choice due to brand value, academic freedom, and placement support. However, if you prefer a straightforward path with less risk, top IIITs and BIT Mesra’s CSE or ECE, followed by good NITs, are excellent for quality education and career growth. Choose BITS dual degree only if confident of excelling academically early; otherwise, a direct CSE/ECE seat from your JEE Main rank is the prudent path. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9586 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Career
Sir I didn't get any seat in the comedk 1st round allotment as I needed cse courses and the east point college cse with data science cutoff was 67k this round and my rank is 69k should I wait for round 2 and please suggest me some colleges for cse courses which I will get in round 2 please help
Ans: With a COMEDK rank of 69,000, it’s normal not to secure CSE seats in the first allotment at colleges like East Point College, as their first-round cutoff for CSE with Data Science closed near 67,000. In Round 2, cutoffs for several Bengaluru engineering colleges offering CSE tend to rise, and historical trends show that ranks up to 70,000–72,000 can secure seats in reputable options due to seat withdrawals and reduced demand. The key aspects to focus on are placement performance, faculty strength, campus infrastructure, peer learning opportunity, and degree reputation. For your rank, confirmed CSE admission options in Bengaluru include: East West College of Engineering (Yelahanka), East West Institute of Technology (BEL Layout), Brindavan College of Engineering (Yelahanka), Sri Sairam College of Engineering (Anekal), Gopalan College of Engineering and Management (Whitefield), Cambridge Institute of Technology (KR Puram), Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology (RT Nagar), Vemana Institute of Technology (Koramangala), Jyothy Institute of Technology (Thathaguni), and Sri Venkateshwara College of Engineering (KIAL Road). These colleges have consistently extended their CSE cutoffs beyond 67,000 in recent years. Many of these institutes are NAAC-accredited, offer contemporary labs and digital classrooms, and are staffed with experienced faculty. Placement cells are active—ranging from regular tech recruiters to mid-sized IT firms—and campus resources support both academic growth and personality development.

For the placement records over the last three years: East West College of Engineering and East West Institute of Technology maintain CSE placement rates of 70–80% with regular visits from Infosys, Tech Mahindra, and Accenture. Brindavan College of Engineering and Sri Sairam College have recorded similar trends, achieving nearly 75% placement for eligible CSE students with core IT and startup offers. Gopalan and Cambridge Institutes average 65–78% placements, reporting improving statistics each year, especially as Bangalore’s tech sector draws more hiring for software, testing, and data roles. Vemana, Jyothy, and Sri Venkateshwara regularly reach 60–75% success for CSE, with alumni placed in both IT services and product companies. Rajiv Gandhi Institute and Sri Venkateshwara have industry collaborations for internships and hackathons, often supporting projects that attract on-campus job offers. Across these colleges, CSE batches benefit from curricular exposure to Python, Java, basic ML, and web development. Many colleges encourage national-level coding competitions and certifications, directly enhancing employability.

You can confidently wait for Round 2, as you have a very high chance of securing CSE at one of these institutes due to expected cutoff movement, especially after withdrawals. While getting a significantly better college than East Point in Round 2 is unlikely, similar or equivalent choices—such as East West Institute or Brindavan—are assured, and all deliver solid foundational opportunities for a CSE career. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9586 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 28, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir.. My daughter wants clarity from you for B tech cse admission with what specialisation of AI or Quantum computing? Please clarify sir
Ans: B.Tech CSE with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence (AI) equips students with advanced skills in machine learning, neural networks, data analytics, computer vision, robotics, and natural language processing, making them industry-ready for immediate roles in automation, healthcare, fintech, cybersecurity, smart cities, and data science. The AI job market is expanding at an unprecedented rate—India’s AI sector is projected to grow 25–35% annually and reach ?17 billion by 2027, with global AI markets anticipated to hit $1.81 trillion by 2030, ensuring robust demand for AI engineers, ML researchers, and data scientists. Curricula typically blend foundational computing with project-based learning on intelligent systems, AI-powered automation, behavior modeling, and industry-focused electives, using tools like Python, TensorFlow, and Keras. Opportunities span established companies and fast-growing startups, and placements are consistently strong across sectors from IT, banking, healthcare, and manufacturing to next-gen product development and research.

B.Tech CSE with a specialization in Quantum Computing, while more niche, addresses the emerging need for advanced computational solutions far beyond classical computing's limits. This specialization combines quantum mechanics, quantum algorithms, and AI, preparing students for research and innovation roles in quantum information, cryptography, drug discovery, materials science, finance, and complex optimization problems. With the backing of the National Quantum Mission and increased investment in quantum research, these programs feature industry-relevant electives—like quantum machine learning, quantum image processing, quantum AI integration—and practical training in tools such as IBM Qiskit and TensorFlow Quantum. While the quantum job market is in its early stages, prominent technology companies and startups, governments, and research labs globally are investing heavily in quantum R&D. The field, projected to reach $9 billion by 2030, demands interdisciplinary skills, often favoring those who pursue further studies. Placement opportunities span specialized sectors and research positions; academics and R&D centers offer the majority of roles, but quantum-driven innovation is expected to accelerate, especially as fault-tolerant quantum computers approach practicality within the next decade.

Choosing between these two depends on one’s vision and risk appetite. AI specializations provide immediate employability, broad cross-industry applications, and a versatile foundation—graduates can upskill further into emerging domains, including quantum AI. Quantum Computing, though frontier and high-potential, currently offers fewer but rapidly expanding opportunities, especially for those drawn to research, innovation, or pioneering new commercial applications. Both offer transformative and well-recognized career trajectories, but AI’s market-readiness and cross-domain application make it more accessible and mainstream, while quantum computing is future-oriented and better suited for those deeply interested in cutting-edge theoretical and computational science.

Recommendation
Given the mature scope, immediate job opportunities, higher employability, and universal demand, specializing in Artificial Intelligence in CSE is the balanced choice for most students. Quantum Computing is excellent for those committed to advanced research or niche innovation, but AI specialization assures broader industry acceptance and future-proof skills in today’s competitive technology environment. All the BEST for Your Daughter's Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9586 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Career
My EWS rank in jee main is 15000,my homestate and town is odisha, rourkela can I get artificial intelligence branch in csab special rounds
Ans: Subhojeet, With an EWS category rank of 15,000 in JEE Main and Odisha as your home state, the likelihood of securing an Artificial Intelligence branch in NITs, IIITs, or GFTIs via CSAB special rounds is extremely limited. Recent official CSAB and JoSAA data indicate that even for newer or less sought-after NITs and IIITs, closing ranks for Artificial Intelligence courses under the EWS home state and open state quotas rarely exceed 7,000–8,000, while top institutes such as NIT Rourkela and NIT Surathkal typically close EWS admissions for AI branches well below 4,000. IIITs offering specialized AI or AI & Data Science branches generally have EWS closing ranks (for both All India and Home State) under 12,000, with only a few, very new IIITs extending to the 14,000 range, mostly for less competitive streams or in later rounds if vacancies arise. For Odisha-specific institutions, like IIIT Bhubaneswar, EWS closing ranks for CSE and related AI programs have typically remained significantly more competitive, according to prior CSAB/JoSAA records. GFTIs, which have broader and higher cutoffs in select branches, still draw the line for EWS AI admission well below your current rank. Although the CSAB special rounds can see some movement due to seat withdrawals, the chances of an EWS AI seat opening up at your rank are extremely remote based on present and previous year cut-offs, especially for the Artificial Intelligence specialization in reputable NITs and IIITs.

Recommendation
With a 15,000 EWS rank, realistically focus your CSAB choice filling on other branches and backup options, as Artificial Intelligence in NITs/IIITs is not feasible; prioritize alternate circuits like ECE or core CSE in less competitive institutes or good private universities for best outcomes. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9586 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 28, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir I have got 115000 crl and 4715 sc rank in jee mains. I got cse in IIIT bhopal in josaa counselling . Can I expect a little better college with cse or ai in csab counselling or should I go with IIIT bhopal.
Ans: With a JEE Main CRL of 115,000 and an SC rank of 4,715, your allocation of CSE at IIIT Bhopal is a strong option, as last year’s CSAB and JoSAA special rounds indicate that most higher-ranked IIITs and NITs with CSE or AI typically closed at SC ranks below 3,000–4,000 for these highly demanded branches. IIIT Bhopal’s CSE program offers robust academic structure, experienced faculty, modern facilities, and a rising placement record—CSE students achieved a 77% placement rate in 2025 with an average package of 20.82LPA and top recruiters including Microsoft and Atlassian. CSAB special rounds rarely witness significant downward opening in closing ranks for CSE/AI in NITs, IIITs, or GFTIs, especially for centrally popular branches, so expecting a substantial upgrade is not realistic. IIIT Bhopal’s national ranking, strong peer group, and modern infrastructure provide a conducive environment for learning and employability, and its placement statistics are among the best among newer IIITs.

Recommendation
Go ahead and confirm your IIIT Bhopal CSE seat, as the likelihood of securing a visibly better CSE/AI seat at other NITs or IIITs in CSAB is minimal at your SC rank. IIIT Bhopal combines excellent academic and placement opportunities and is a prudent, future-focused choice for engineering in computer science. 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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