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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9758 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 07, 2025

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
Imran Question by Imran on Jan 06, 2025
Money

Thank you for your thorough response, Sir. I will perform a more detailed analysis as you recommended before proceeding with any investments and will allocate the funds accordingly.

Ans: You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Best wishes on your financial journey!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 23, 2024Hindi
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Money
SIP 10,000.00 UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund SIP 10,000.00 HDFC Mid Cap opportunities fund SIP 10,000.00 UTI Nifty 200 Momentum 30 Index Fund SIP 10,000.00 Nippon India Growth Fund SIP 5,000.00 Axis Small Cap SIP 5,000.00 Nippon Small Cap i have these investements please comment
Ans: Current SIP Investments Overview

Your current SIP investments demonstrate a well-diversified portfolio. Allocating Rs. 10,000 each to UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund, HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, UTI Nifty 200 Momentum 30 Index Fund, and Nippon India Growth Fund, along with Rs. 5,000 each in Axis Small Cap and Nippon Small Cap, shows strategic planning.

Your disciplined investment approach is commendable. Ensuring minimal overlap among funds shows careful planning. This is a critical step in building a strong investment portfolio.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds like the UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund merely replicate market performance. They do not aim to outperform the market. Actively managed funds can potentially achieve higher returns through strategic portfolio adjustments.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds are managed by experts who make informed decisions based on market conditions. These funds aim to outperform the market, offering potential for higher returns. They also help in risk management by adapting to market changes.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds lack professional guidance. Regular funds managed by Certified Financial Planners provide expert advice, helping to optimize your portfolio. This professional management can significantly enhance your investment outcomes.

Analysis of Current Fund Selection

Your current SIPs are well-distributed across various market segments:

Large Cap: UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund
Mid Cap: HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
Momentum: UTI Nifty 200 Momentum 30 Index Fund
Growth: Nippon India Growth Fund
Small Cap: Axis Small Cap, Nippon Small Cap
This diversified approach balances risk and growth potential effectively.

Suggestions for Further Investment

With an additional Rs. 30,000 per month to invest, consider the following:

Flexi Cap Funds: These funds invest across different market capitalizations, providing flexibility and balance.

International Equity Funds: Diversifying globally can hedge against domestic market volatility and tap into global growth opportunities.

Sectoral/Thematic Funds: Investing in specific sectors like technology or healthcare offers high growth potential but comes with higher risk.

Regular Monitoring and Adjustments

Periodic reviews of your portfolio are essential. Market conditions change, and timely adjustments ensure your investments remain aligned with your financial goals. Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner can provide tailored advice based on current market trends and personal objectives.

Conclusion

Your current investment strategy is robust and well-structured. By adding further diversified funds and regularly reviewing your portfolio with professional guidance, you can optimize your investments and achieve long-term financial goals.

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 May 15, 2025

Money
Dear Dev, I have shortlisted a few funds that I am considering for investment and wanted to seek your guidance. I plan to invest approximately 20 lacs to 25 lacs in a lumpsum and additionally set up a monthly SIP of about 2 lacs. The minimum investment horizon I am looking at is 7 to 8 years. Regarding the SIP, I intend to invest for a minimum period of 3 years, with a maximum duration of up to 50 months, and I do not plan to withdraw both the investment not before completion of 7 to 8 year or if the market is favoring i would like to keep it invested for 10 year also.after that i can switch few about to arbitrage funds or structures and rest to be withdrawn as SWP. also you can suggest me for government bonds Could you please go through the selected funds and advise if any changes are necessary? 1 DSP Equity Opportunities Fund 10.00% 2 HDFC Flexi Cap Fund 10.00% 3 Quant Large Cap Fund 10.00% 4 Canara Robeco Multi Cap Fund 8.00% 5 Invesco India Small Cap Fund 8.00% 6 Kotak Multicap Fund 8.00% 7 Quant Active Fund 8.00% 8 SBI Contra Fund 8.00% 9 SBI Large & Midcap Fund 6.00% 10 Kotak Emerging Equity Fund 6.00% 11 HDFC Small Cap Fund 5.00% 12 ICICI Prudential Dividend Yield Equity Fund 5.00% 13 SBI Infrastructre Fund 5.00% 14 ICICI Prudential Focused Equity Fund 3.00% Total 100% Thank you for your assistance. Regards S.Bala
Ans: You have taken time to shortlist your funds. That itself shows good research and intent.

Your plan—Rs. 20–25 lacs in lumpsum, and Rs. 2 lacs monthly SIP—is sound.

You are looking at 7 to 8 years minimum. Optionally, extending to 10 years.

This long horizon gives space for equity funds to grow well.

Below is a detailed review of your plan from a Certified Financial Planner’s perspective.

I have evaluated it from multiple angles—allocation, category, fund strategy, and diversification.

Also included are suggestions on government bonds and post-investment strategies.

Let’s take it step by step for better clarity.

Overall Asset Allocation Strategy

You are aiming for 100% equity allocation. That’s suitable for your long horizon.

Since there is no withdrawal pressure in short-term, equity volatility is manageable.

However, from a 360-degree view, having 5–10% in debt can bring balance.

Equity does best over 7–10 years, but risk control is equally important.

You may consider adding a dynamic asset allocation fund instead of another pure equity fund.

Category-Wise Evaluation of Your Fund Mix

Let’s review your selected categories step by step. I’ll explain the strengths and risks too.

Flexi Cap / Multi Cap / Large & Midcap Funds

You have a good spread here.

These funds can shift allocation between market caps. That brings flexibility.

4 to 5 funds in this space may be excessive.

You can trim one and increase allocation to small or mid cap.

Small Cap Funds

You have 3 small cap funds. That’s aggressive, but okay with your horizon.

Small caps are very volatile but deliver well over 8–10 years.

Keep total allocation below 20%. You are currently near that. That is acceptable.

Large Cap / Focused / Dividend Yield

Your exposure here seems slightly low. These bring stability to the portfolio.

One fund focusing on dividend yield is a good diversifier.

Focused funds can outperform but also bring concentration risk.

A single focused fund in the portfolio is enough. You have done that right.

Contra / Value / Thematic Funds

A contra fund adds strategy diversity. It suits long-term investors like you.

Infrastructure fund is thematic. These are cyclical in performance.

Consider reducing allocation here or keeping them under 5%. You already did that. Good.

Fund Count and Consolidation Advice

You have 14 funds. That’s on the higher side.

8 to 10 well-chosen funds are enough to diversify.

Too many funds bring overlap and reduce manageability.

Consider trimming 3 to 4 schemes. Focus on quality, consistency, and style difference.

Avoid similar funds from same category. Multi-cap and flexi-cap from different AMCs often overlap.

SIP Strategy Review

SIP of Rs. 2 lacs per month is well thought.

3 to 4 years of SIP with long holding is effective for wealth creation.

Use STP from liquid funds for lumpsum. Helps manage entry-point risk.

Don’t increase SIPs too fast. Let it match your surplus income and liquidity comfort.

Exit Planning: SWP and Arbitrage Funds

SWP post 8 to 10 years is suitable for regular income.

Use arbitrage or ultra-short duration funds as SWP source.

Shift from equity gradually, not all at once. Use 1–2 year transition for SWP.

Choose SWP funds with low volatility and stable NAV.

Don’t chase high return during SWP phase. Capital protection is key.

Structured Products Review

These are complex products. Often hard to track.

Only consider them with clear understanding of risk and payoff logic.

Prefer simple, transparent MF structure unless tax or liquidity need justifies structured product.

Government Bonds: How to Use Them

You may keep 5–10% in government bonds. Good for risk balancing.

Look at RBI Floating Rate Bonds. No credit risk. 7.5% interest.

Sovereign Gold Bonds also are an option if you like gold exposure.

Avoid long-term G-Secs unless interest rate outlook is clear.

Use Bharat Bond ETFs only if liquidity and exit are not a concern.

New Capital Gains Tax Rules: What to Know

On equity mutual funds, LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG taxed at 20%. This rule is new and matters for your exit strategy.

Track realized gains each year. Use tax harvesting if needed.

For debt mutual funds, gains taxed as per your slab.

Regular Funds vs. Direct Plans

Direct funds may look cheaper. But they lack human guidance.

You miss strategy alignment and real-time help during volatile markets.

Regular plans via Certified Financial Planner offer long-term clarity.

Right advice avoids wrong exits and wrong fund choices. That benefit is much bigger.

Portfolio Monitoring Strategy

Review your portfolio once in 6 months. Don’t do frequent changes.

Evaluate on fund consistency, AMC quality, and style fit. Not only past returns.

Avoid changing funds based on short-term ranking. Focus on long-term behaviour.

Stick to your plan unless there is a major reason to change.

Additional 360° Suggestions

Use a capital gains tracker every year. Helps tax planning.

Don’t ignore health insurance and term insurance. It protects your financial goals.

Set clear goal amounts for each future purpose—child education, retirement, etc.

Your financial plan should integrate income, insurance, expenses, goals, and liquidity.

Assign nominees and maintain a digital record of investments. Keep family informed.

Finally

Your fund shortlist is well selected across styles and themes.

Few small changes can bring sharper structure and clarity.

Trim overlapping schemes. Reduce to 10 or 11 funds.

Maintain discipline in SIP and avoid panic in market dips.

Plan withdrawal early. Don’t leave decisions for the last year.

Consider Certified Financial Planner for review and monitoring. Regular review ensures alignment.

Stay long term, stay invested, and stay balanced.

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

Nayagam P P  |8925 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 16, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello sirji I got place at NIELIT Ajmer and Thapar both CSE and in NIELIT cyber security and I am from Haryana so wht should I choose?
Ans: As a student from the State of Haryana you are offered seats at NIELIT Ajmer for CSE and Cyber Security alongside CSE at Thapar University, a comprehensive evaluation reveals distinct academic and career pathways. NIELIT Ajmer’s B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering covers Internet of Things, Cyber Security, and Blockchain Technology with a 60-seat capacity, admission via JEE Main closing around 47,166 for general category, and government-funded programs under MeitY ensuring affordable fees and specialized labs. Thapar University’s CSE achieved an 83% placement rate in 2023 with 334 recruiting companies, robust T&P infrastructure, and major recruiters like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Deloitte, and IBM. Thapar’s average package of ?11.90 LPA underscores consistent industry engagement and comprehensive training. NIELIT Ajmer Cyber Security offers targeted government-backed certification courses, dedicated placement cells, and proximity to Haryana (~322 km), while NIELIT Ajmer CSE remains nascent with limited placement history. Both institutions feature modern laboratories, libraries, and safe residential facilities supporting holistic student development.

Recommendation: Choose Thapar University CSE for its better job placement record, strong ties with companies, and good academic standing; look at NIELIT Ajmer Cyber Security for affordable, government-supported training in new security technologies; steer clear of NIELIT Ajmer CSE because it has little job placement information and is still growing. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8925 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 16, 2025

Career
Hello sir, I need your help in selecting college. The options i have are;- cse in sastra university tanjaore, and industrial and production engineering in nit jalandhar. Which would be better to choose for placements and industry?
Ans: Reshwanth, SASTRA University’s B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering curriculum emphasizes core programming, data structures, algorithms, operating systems and electives in AI, IoT and cybersecurity, backed by experienced faculty and smart classrooms with high-speed Wi-Fi and modern computer labs. Active MoUs with Tata Electronics, AstraZeneca and Bajaj BEST Center foster internships and industry-academia research collaborations. According to NIRF 2025, 83% of UG 4-year graduates secured placements with a median package of ?7.60 LPA and top recruiters including TCS, Amazon and Microsoft. NIT Jalandhar’s Industrial and Production Engineering offers a curriculum covering manufacturing systems, operations research, quality control and supply-chain management, delivered by a strong permanent faculty, modern workshops and CNC labs. The institute ranked 58th in NIRF engineering 2024, houses a dedicated T&P Cell and records a 77.6% placement rate with an average package of ?8.59 LPA for IPE, attracting recruiters like Amazon, Tata Steel and various PSUs. Both campuses provide robust student support, campus safety and entrepreneurship cells, but differ in specialization focus and placement consistency.

Recommendation: Considering slightly higher placement consistency and focused CSE industry tie-ups, opt for SASTRA University CSE for strong IT placements and research exposure; for core manufacturing roles with marginally higher average packages, choose NIT Jalandhar IPE. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8925 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 16, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello Sir My son has got CSE at III T Hyderabad and AI Hello Sir My son has got CSE at III T Hyderabad and AI at NIT Surathkal. Kindly guide what to prefer . at NIT Surathkal. Kindly guide what should he prefer .
Ans: IIIT Hyderabad’s B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering features a hands-on curriculum with foundational courses in programming, data structures, algorithms, networks, operating systems, and flexible elective tracks in AI, systems, and theory, ensuring depth and breadth in emerging areas. Its placement rates have exceeded 99% for CSE over the past three years, with an average package of ?31.98 LPA in 2025 and top recruiters including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. The 66-acre residential campus offers state-of-the-art air-conditioned labs (1:2 PC-student ratio), 24×7 security, smart classrooms, research centres, and robust industry collaborations. NIT Surathkal’s B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence emphasizes specializations in data science, human-centred computing, cyber-physical systems, and robotics under NEP-aligned curriculum. Its AI branch achieved a 93% placement rate with an average package of ?18.26 LPA in 2023, supported by major recruiters like Google and MRPL, and leverages a fully Wi-Fi campus with modern labs, a digital library of 130,000 volumes, and extensive conference and sports facilities across 296 acres.

Recommendation:
IIIT Hyderabad CSE offers superior placement consistency, higher average packages, cutting-edge research infrastructure, and stronger industry linkages, making it the preferable choice for a purely technical trajectory, whereas NIT Surathkal AI provides focused AI specialization with solid facilities but relatively lower placement outcomes. My Suggestion: Prever IIIT-H over NIT-S. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8925 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 16, 2025

Career
My son got Cse data science in VIT Chennai and Cse in Jaypee and Cse with minor Aiml in national institute of electronics and information technology Gorakhpur after sixth round, please suggest suggest.
Ans: Anup Sir, Based on the inputs, your son can decide the most suitable option out of 3 options: VIT Chennai’s B.Tech in CSE with Data Science specialization delivers a rigorous curriculum encompassing core programming, predictive analytics, machine learning and big data frameworks, supported by smart classrooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, modern computer labs and dedicated data-science research centers. Placements for the CSE school average 85–90% with leading recruiters such as TCS, Infosys, Cognizant and Deloitte, and internship-to-job conversions bolstered by industry tie-ups. Jaypee Institute of Information Technology Noida’s CSE program follows an NEP-aligned structure with strong emphasis on problem solving, AI/ML electives and hands-on capstone projects, underpinned by a dedicated placement cell that achieved 107% job-offer rate overall and 112% for CSE participants, with a median package of ?6.50 LPA and top recruiters including Microsoft, Cisco and Amazon. NIELIT Gorakhpur’s CSE curriculum integrates electronics and IT fundamentals with a minor in AI/ML training modules delivered through certified courses; its Model Career Centre has mobilized over 900 candidates into placement drives and offers career counselling, skill-development workshops and government-industry linkages, though its published placement rate stands near 46% with median salaries of ?5 LPA. All three institutions provide robust faculty expertise, accreditation, campus safety and active industry collaboration.

VIT Chennai’s established CSE-Data Science program leads with superior infrastructure, placement reach and focused research. Jaypee Noida CSE ranks second for its high placement offers and balanced tech curriculum. NIELIT Gorakhpur follows, offering government-backed AI/ML training and solid career counselling despite lower placement conversion. 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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