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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  |458 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jan 09, 2023

Colonel Sanjeev Govila (retd) is the founder of Hum Fauji Initiatives, a financial planning company dedicated to the armed forces personnel and their families.
He has over 12 years of experience in financial planning and is a SEBI certified registered investment advisor; he is also accredited with AMFI and IRDA.... more
Milind Question by Milind on Jan 08, 2023Hindi
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Thank you for your reply Sanjeev. Can you suggest me some of Active MF & Passive MF to invest, with a horizon of at least 5 years?

Ans: That will be difficult for me to give out, Milind, due to following reasons:-1. I have no idea about your risk profile, what assets and investments you already have, what is your time horizon of investment, what has been your past experience with various asset classes and, very importantly, what are your financial goals in times to come.2. Instead of picking up one or two ‘good performing’ MFs, it is always a better idea to go with a proper financial plan or at least a goal-based investment plan and then make a proper diversified portfolio.3. IN case you still want to pick a couple of ‘good performing’ MFs, you may google and see the rating of various funds on websites like valuresearchonline, etmoney, moneycontrol etc and choose as per your liking.
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  |8320 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

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

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

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

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

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

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

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

Consult a Certified Financial Planner: Get personalized advice.

Start SIP: Automate your monthly investments.

Review Regularly: Monitor and adjust based on performance.

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

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8320 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 27, 2024

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Hello sir, I want to invest 8k- 10k monthly in mutual funds for a period of profitable 5 years. Please suggest some good MF to invest in.
Ans: You aim to invest Rs. 8k-10k monthly in mutual funds for five years. This is a medium-term goal, requiring a balanced approach to manage risk and ensure good returns.

Benefits of Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Rupee Cost Averaging: SIPs help in averaging out the purchase cost over time. This reduces the impact of market volatility.

Financial Discipline: Regular investments instil a sense of financial discipline. It ensures you save and invest consistently.

Compounding Benefits: SIPs leverage the power of compounding. This maximises returns over the investment period.

Recommended Investment Strategy
Balanced Portfolio: For a five-year period, a balanced portfolio is ideal. It should include a mix of equity and debt funds to manage risk and ensure growth.

Large-Cap Funds: Invest in large-cap funds for stability. These funds invest in well-established companies, offering steady returns.

Mid-Cap Funds: Allocate a portion to mid-cap funds. These funds have a higher growth potential, though they carry moderate risk.

Aggressive Hybrid Funds: Consider aggressive hybrid funds. They provide a mix of equity and debt, balancing risk and return.

Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Passive Management: Index funds are passively managed. They aim to replicate the market index, lacking the ability to outperform.

No Flexibility: Index funds do not adapt to market changes. They stick to the index, regardless of market conditions.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds:

Strategic Management: Actively managed funds are handled by professional fund managers. They make strategic decisions to maximise returns.

Adaptive Approach: These funds adapt to market conditions. This flexibility often results in better performance compared to index funds.

Direct Funds vs. Regular Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Lack of Guidance: Direct funds do not provide expert advice. You might miss out on strategic insights and market trends.

Better Service: Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures regular portfolio reviews and professional guidance.

Benefits of Regular Funds:

Professional Advice: Regular funds offer expert advice. This helps in making informed investment decisions.

Comprehensive Service: Regular funds come with additional services, such as financial planning and portfolio management.

Investment Recommendations
1. Set Clear Objectives:

Define your investment goals. Understand your risk tolerance and the amount needed at the end of five years.
2. Diversify Your Portfolio:

Allocate your monthly investment across large-cap, mid-cap, and aggressive hybrid funds.

This diversification ensures stability and growth.

3. Regular Review:

Review your portfolio every six months. Adjust your investments based on performance and market conditions.
4. Emergency Fund:

Keep an emergency fund separate. This ensures you do not need to withdraw from your investments in case of unforeseen expenses.
5. Tax Planning:

Consider tax-saving mutual funds if they align with your goals. This helps in reducing your tax liability while investing.
Final Insights
Investing Rs. 8k-10k monthly in mutual funds through SIPs is a wise choice. It offers financial discipline, manages risk, and leverages the power of compounding. Diversify your portfolio across large-cap, mid-cap, and aggressive hybrid funds. Seek professional guidance to optimise your investment strategy.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8320 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 17, 2025Hindi
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Please suggest some good MF to be invested at this time (Feb/Mar 2025) for long term as the market is down. Thanks
Ans: The stock market is currently experiencing a downturn. This can be unsettling for investors. However, such phases often present opportunities for long-term investments. Historically, markets have rebounded over time, rewarding patient investors.

Benefits of Investing During Market Lows

Potential for Higher Returns: Investing when prices are low can lead to significant gains as the market recovers.

Rupee Cost Averaging: Regular investments during downturns can average out the purchase cost, reducing the impact of market volatility.

Recommended Mutual Fund Categories for Long-Term Investment

Large-Cap Equity Funds

Stability: These funds invest in well-established companies with a strong track record.

Resilience: Large-cap companies often withstand market downturns better than smaller firms.

Diversified Equity Funds

Broad Exposure: These funds invest across various sectors and company sizes.

Risk Mitigation: Diversification helps in spreading risk, potentially leading to more stable returns.

Balanced or Hybrid Funds

Equity and Debt Mix: These funds combine equity investments with debt instruments.

Reduced Volatility: The debt component can cushion against market fluctuations, offering a balanced risk-return profile.

Importance of Professional Guidance

While mutual funds are accessible, selecting the right ones requires expertise. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Final Insights

Investing during market downturns can be advantageous for long-term wealth creation. By choosing suitable mutual fund categories and seeking professional guidance, you can navigate the current market conditions effectively.

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  |4488 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 06, 2025

Career
Sir , i got 67000crl rank and 20000obc rank in jee mains . I also got 18000 rank in vit. I am also going to write cusat, met and bitsat , i think i might not crack jee advance . i am hoping to pursue mechanical or electrical, Could sir kindly tell me its scope. From my current options which college should i choose among GFTI,s North east nits, VIT, MET, BITSAT for me to develop a good career
Ans: Rohan, considering your JEE performance, disregard BITSAT as it requires a minimum score of 250 out of 390 for admission into Mechanical Engineering or Electrical branches. Designate CUSAT as your primary selection if your Home State is Kerala and you qualify for OBC Category consideration. Compile a list of 4-5 esteemed colleges affiliated with CUSAT that possess commendable placement records. Secondly, prioritize GFTIs and North East NITs over alternatives such as VIT and MET. Regarding GFTIs and NITs, it is prudent to examine the placement records of the past three years and assess them prior to selecting preferences in JoSAA. Consider MET as your final alternative. Here is a step-by-step guide for predicting your chances of admission into NIT, IIIT, or GFTI following the JEE Main results.

Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories both Home State (HS) i.e. State you belong to & also Other State (OS).
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in, separately for HS & OS Categories for a quick reference.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.

Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4488 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 06, 2025

Career
what are the college options i can look up to at 91.8% in jee and 1.21 lakh crl
Ans: Valerica, Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories both Home State (HS) i.e. State you belong to & also Other State (OS).
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in, separately for HS & OS Categories for a quick reference.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.

Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

...Read more

Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1603 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on May 06, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, as my son Inter bord got 91% but in Jee mains 1st attempt got 50% and 2nd attempt got 70%, but he was not eligible for Advance, and he was wrote other college exams as (IIIT Hyd + VIT+TSEAPCET) in that VIT got results as 1.20 Lakh rank and he was eligible for Round of Category of 5th for VIT-AP & VIT-Bhopal, and expecting results for IIIT Hyd and also waiting for other Exams as (COMEDK + MIT + BITS), he was sincerely trying the efforts private college entrance exams, but the results which is not satisfy for him, and getting disappoint, but I was giving the motivation for other exams and do the hard work and focus on, BITS & IIT-Hyd also very tuff and more competitive, as i need to think for the negative side, if he could not get any cut of marks, what is the next option....? I request you pls give any other alternate suggestions for which is alternate engineering university for the course of (CSE AI & ML), my son interested in CSE course only
Ans: Hello Rakesh
First and foremost, I would like to commend your son for his earnest efforts in preparing for a range of engineering entrance examinations. His dedication is commendable, even if the outcomes so far haven't aligned with expectations. As you’ve mentioned, he has not yet been able to meet the required cutoff, which understandably may lead to feelings of disappointment or frustration.
However, the journey isn't over. Significant opportunities still lie ahead with BITSAT and IIIT-Hyderabad, both of which are known to be less about difficulty and more about testing strategic thinking and conceptual clarity. It appears that your son may be facing challenges in effectively managing the vast syllabus or might not yet have identified the right approach to tackle these competitive exams. Understanding how to study smartly for such tests often makes all the difference.
It’s important to maintain a positive outlook and avoid negative assumptions at this stage. You haven’t mentioned your financial circumstances, but if your son is determined to pursue fields like Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or Machine Learning, and if merit-based options don’t materialize, admission through the management quota could be a viable alternative. This route is typically available in reputed private engineering colleges, though it comes with a higher financial commitment.
Before considering this option seriously, I would recommend waiting for the results of all the remaining entrance exams. At the same time, it would be wise to proactively visit a few reputed institutions to inquire about the availability of management quota seats, associated costs, and relevant terms and conditions. Many parents secure such seats early on, anticipating the challenges their child might face in clearing competitive cutoffs.
Stay optimistic, there are still several promising pathways ahead.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

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Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |372 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on May 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 06, 2025
Career
can i get admission in NFSU through jee mains score only ? because i gone on NFSU admission portal link for B.Tech-M.Tech Integrated program in Computer Science and Engineering (Cyber Security) but they asking about NFAT exam
Ans: Hi,
I apologize for any confusion, but I want to clarify that when the government asked for our support of the ONE NATION ONE CARD system, we did not accept it. Similarly, everyone is required to open a savings account at a bank, and many of us expressed our discontent. However, we can see the positive changes happening in India. If we support the government, they will reciprocate by providing benefits to the citizens.

In terms of education, the government is attempting to implement a new education policy, which has proven to be quite difficult. The education system has changed significantly before and after the pandemic. Now, the government is working on new policies that align with those of developed countries.

Therefore, we cannot expect the ONE STUDENT ONE EXAM system from the government at this time, as it is not included in the current guidelines. Each council or organization has its own set of guidelines, and synchronizing them will take time. At this moment, it is simply not feasible.

The NFAT exam is different from the JEE. In the case of the JEE, they did not notify the aspirants that they are eligible to apply for NFSU, and similarly, NFSU did not mention that JEE rank holders could also apply. Therefore, if you want admission to NFSU, you need to register and appear for the NFTA.

In the near future, we can expect the ONE STUDENT ONE EXAM system from this BJP government for the benefit of younger generations. For the benefit of postgraduate aspirants (for all courses except a few professional ones), the NTA is organizing the PGCUET exam nationwide. In this exam, you can opt for up to four different courses based on your eligibility.

A similar exam pattern is needed for engineering and medical fields as well. As I mentioned, we can expect this change; however, we, as citizens, should offer moral support for the benefit of younger generations. Unfortunately, we often do not provide this support to the government. For example, in the NEET exam, many aspirants do not follow the guidelines even when appearing for the exams.
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POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO.

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