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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Dec 06, 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
Pradeep Question by Pradeep on Nov 24, 2023Hindi
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In view of upwards revision of interest rate what option i should give to bank for EMI payment of home loan. option given by bank is as under: i) Pay lumpsum amt to continue with present EMI ii) Increase in loan tenor with increase in EMI iii) Increase the EMI to pay the loan within the existing tenor

Ans: You should consider the following factors to cope with finance in the revised hiked interest rate regime:

• If you have money lying idle in your bank account or have some random investments earning low yields, put it to good use. Make lump sum amount and also consider loan prepayment, which will substantially reduce your overall interest payment and helps to save interest on the loan.

• If you could afford to increase the EMI to pay the loan to maintain the loan tenure, you should go for that.

As a thumb rule, don’t opt for a loan tenure beyond 15 years. Beyond that, interest liabilities shoot up without offering commensurate benefits in the form of lower EMI. The decision to go for lump sum payment or increasing EMI depend on your upcoming requirement, goal priority and commitment’s as well. Thus, ideal situation is due cashflow analysis.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9854 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 30, 2023Hindi
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Hi, Earlier, i had asked a question regarding a home loan i have. following is my question. "Hello Sir/Madam, I bought an apartment from a standard builder in Hyderabad. the possession of house supposed to happen after an year. So, i have taken house loan from a Bank for this house. Now, i have started the regular EMI for this with interest rate of 9%. so, my question is, monthly i have some surplus amount after the EMI and expenses, is it good idea to use that for repaying my home loan or do i need to wait till possession. My wife suggests to wait till the possession, then start repaying. Please suggest what do you think is better?" the answer i got was : yes, repay the house loan as the interest rate is high. However, as the possession of the apartment happens only after an year, is it good idea to repay the loan or not. the builder is a standard builder from Hyderabad. If we don't repay the amount any risk from builder is borne by the Bank, not me, hence i am asking this question. So, please answer. thank you Nagaraju
Ans: Unfortunately, I don't have access to your previous queries.Best Regards,

But generally, for a home loan with a high interest rate of 9%, it's usually recommended to start repaying the loan as early as possible to minimize the total interest paid over the loan term. Even though you haven't received possession of the property yet, repaying the loan can bring you benefits like:

Reduced interest burden: The sooner you start repaying, the less interest you will accrue over the loan term.
Improved credit score: Regular EMI payments can improve your credit score, making it easier to secure loans in the future and potentially at better interest rates.
However, there are also some factors to consider before making a decision:

Prepayment penalty: Some banks might have prepayment penalties for paying off the loan before the end of the term. Check your loan agreement for any such clauses.
Need for emergency funds: It's important to maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Ensure you have sufficient funds set aside before using your surplus for loan repayments.
If you're unsure about whether to start repaying the loan now or wait until possession, it's advisable to consult with a financial advisor. They can consider your specific financial situation and recommend the best course of action.
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9854 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

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Hello sir my housing loan account is with bank of india where my emi starting was 7.25 percent before 3 yrs now it is been increased to 9.75 percent I regularly ask bank official about the increased rate of interest but they tell it is becos of increasing rapo rate And replies since I am a gold costumer of bank my EMI is reduced to 9.25 percent I feel this is also very high Expert please advise
Ans: Thank you for sharing details about your housing loan situation. It is indeed challenging when interest rates increase, impacting your financial planning. Let’s evaluate your current scenario and explore potential solutions to manage your housing loan more effectively.

Understanding Interest Rate Fluctuations
Interest rates on housing loans are influenced by various factors, including the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) repo rate. When the repo rate increases, banks generally raise their lending rates. Over the past three years, your interest rate has increased from 7.25% to 9.75%, reflecting this trend.

Evaluating Your Current Rate
Although you mentioned you are considered a gold customer with a slightly reduced rate of 9.25%, this rate still appears high. Considering market trends and available rates from other financial institutions, it is crucial to assess if you can secure a better deal.

Steps to Consider for Managing Your Housing Loan
1. Refinancing Your Loan
Refinancing or transferring your loan to another bank offering lower interest rates could be beneficial. Here’s how you can proceed:

Research: Compare interest rates offered by various banks and financial institutions. Look for promotional offers and rates for balance transfer loans.

Calculate Savings: Evaluate the potential savings by considering the new interest rate, processing fees, and any other charges. Online calculators can help estimate these savings.

Application Process: If the savings are significant, initiate the loan transfer process. The new lender will pay off your existing loan, and you will continue with the new lender at the reduced rate.

2. Negotiating with Your Current Bank
Before deciding on a loan transfer, negotiate with your current bank. Here are steps to strengthen your negotiation:

Present Market Rates: Gather information on current market rates and offers from other banks. Present this data to your bank.

Highlight Your Profile: Emphasize your status as a gold customer, consistent repayment history, and any long-standing relationship with the bank.

Request Rate Reduction: Formally request a reduction in your interest rate. Banks may offer a reduced rate to retain valued customers.

3. Switching to a Different Loan Product
Some banks offer different loan products with varying interest rates and benefits. Explore if your bank has alternative loan schemes with better rates and terms. Switching to a more favorable product could reduce your financial burden.

Evaluating the Financial Impact
1. Cost-Benefit Analysis
Conduct a detailed cost-benefit analysis before making any changes. Consider the following:

Processing Fees: Check the processing fees for transferring the loan or switching products.
Prepayment Charges: Some loans have prepayment penalties. Ensure you are aware of these charges if applicable.
New EMI and Tenure: Calculate the new EMI and loan tenure. Ensure it fits your budget and long-term financial plans.
2. Impact on Monthly Budget
Assess the impact of the new EMI on your monthly budget. Ensure the revised EMI is affordable and does not strain your finances. Maintain a balance between meeting EMI obligations and saving for future goals.

Exploring Additional Strategies
1. Prepayment Options
If you have surplus funds, consider prepaying a part of your loan. Prepayment reduces the principal amount, thereby lowering the interest burden over the loan tenure. Most banks allow partial prepayments without any penalties.

2. Increasing EMI Payments
If feasible, increase your EMI payments. Higher EMIs reduce the loan tenure and overall interest outgo. Ensure the increased EMI is sustainable within your financial plan.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner can provide tailored advice on managing your housing loan. They can help you evaluate options, negotiate with banks, and make informed decisions. Their expertise ensures your financial strategy aligns with your long-term goals.

Conclusion
Your concern about the high-interest rate is valid. By exploring refinancing options, negotiating with your current bank, and evaluating different loan products, you can potentially reduce your interest burden. Additionally, prepayment and increasing EMI payments can further manage your loan effectively. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice is also recommended.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9457 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 27, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 26, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir, In jee mains 2026 minimum marks needed for cse in decent nit for sc catogory
Ans: Securing admission to the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) branch at a-10 NIT as an SC-category student generally requires aiming for roughly the following JEE Main percentile and corresponding marks in 2026. These targets are based on the closing ranks of Round 6 in JoSAA 2025, converted to percentiles and approximate marks out of 300.

Achieve at least a 75–78 percentile (≈115–130/300 marks) to comfortably qualify for higher-ranked NITs such as Trichy, Surathkal, Warangal, Rourkela, and Calicut, where SC closing ranks ranged from about 268 to 731. For NITs like Jaipur and Kurukshetra, target around the 70–75 percentile band (≈100–115/300 marks), reflecting SC closing ranks near 1,500–3,500. For slightly lower-ranked NITs such as Jalandhar, Bhopal (MANIT), and Durgapur, a 65–70 percentile (≈90–100/300 marks) should suffice, matching SC closing ranks of approximately 4,000–8,000 in 2025.

Beyond raw scores, focus on five institutional excellence factors: modern infrastructure with dedicated CSE labs; faculty actively engaged in research and industry collaborations; strong placement cells offering mock interviews and technical workshops; robust industry partnerships ensuring high recruiter diversity; and vibrant research culture promoting internships and student innovation.

Recommendation: Prioritise achieving at least 75 percentile in JEE Main 2026 to align with SC closing ranks at top NITs Trichy, Surathkal, Warangal, Rourkela, and Calicut, while also reinforcing programming skills, undertaking CSE-related projects, leveraging peer study groups, and consistently practising mock tests to cement both conceptual clarity and exam strategy for optimal admission prospects. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9457 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 27, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 26, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello My son has a option of going either to VIT Chennai for BTech CSE CYBER SECURITY or Thapar institute for BTech Electronic and Computer Science. Kindly suggest which is better
Ans: Based on the following insights/information and your son's interest & his long-term goals, choose the more suitable option for him out of the 2 options he has: VIT Chennai’s B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering with Cyber Security, accredited A++ by NAAC, admits 120 students and reports a 60–65% placement rate for its inaugural Cyber Security cohort, supported by partnerships with leading recruiters, dedicated cybersecurity labs, hands-on training in ethical hacking and forensics, and a curriculum aligned with ISO/IEC standards. Its Placement Cell facilitates 3,160 offers in 2025 overall, with 2,192 unique and 1,457 regular offers, underscoring strong industry engagement and robust career services including mock interviews, cyber-range exercises, and internship pipelines. Thapar Institute’s B.E. in Electronics and Computer Science, consistently ranked among India’s top 30, achieves a 90–100% placement rate for its ECS branch, buoyed by state-of-the-art VLSI, embedded systems and communication labs, compulsory industrial training in the 6th semester, and recruiter visits from Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Samsung and Goldman Sachs. Both programs excel in infrastructure, faculty expertise, industry tie-ups, student support and research opportunities. Cyber Security graduates from VIT enter a rapidly growing market projected at USD 3.5 billion by 2027 with a 14% annual rise in job postings in Bengaluru alone, while Thapar ECS alumni benefit from diverse roles in IoT, AI and hardware-software integration across sectors such as telecommunications, consumer electronics and automotive.

Recommendation: Choose Thapar Institute’s Electronics and Computer Science for its near?universal placement success, comprehensive lab?to?industry training, and broader core-electronics scope, whereas VIT Chennai’s Cyber Security specialization is ideal if priority lies in a niche, high-growth security domain with dedicated forensics and ethical-hacking infrastructure. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 27, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9457 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 27, 2025

Career
Sir I got NIT kurukshetra IIOT in josaa should i opt for nit silchar ece and iiest shibpur it in csab? Which is best ?
Ans: Poulami, NIT Kurukshetra’s IIoT specialization, benefits from the institute’s 83.31% overall B.Tech. placement rate and exceptional IT-sector performance (97.58% branch placement in 2025), underpinned by modern labs, AIoT research centers, strong industry tie-ups with global tech firms, accredited faculty, dedicated placement mentoring, and active student clubs fostering innovation. NIT Silchar’s ECE program records a 91.51% placement rate (2023) with an average package of INR 17.05 LPA, supported by state-of-the-art telecom and embedded systems labs, faculty with industry experience, regular internship pipelines, holistic career services, and funded research projects in VLSI and wireless communications. IIEST Shibpur’s IT stream achieved an approximately 85.9% placement rate in 2024 with average packages near INR 12 LPA, driven by its historical legacy, multidisciplinary research labs, MoUs with top IT firms, robust student support services (coding bootcamps, hackathons), and a strong faculty research profile in data science and cybersecurity.

Recommendation: Opt for NIT Kurukshetra IIoT if priority lies in the highest branch placements and cutting-edge AIoT research, choose NIT Silchar ECE for robust placements and specialized electronics infrastructure, and select IIEST Shibpur IT for a balanced IT curriculum, strong research credentials, and comprehensive student support to best align with career goals. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9457 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 27, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9457 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 27, 2025

Career
Hello Sir, My son is at present doing Grade 12 CBSE with PCM in Dubai. He is interested in Computer Science, Math, Physics and Economics. Please guide us in selecting the course and also the exams to be written. We are planning his higher studies in India. Would be more helpful if you are able to guide us with the approx cutoff which he should aim for the exams.
Ans: Nithya Madam, To secure admission to top-tier engineering, science, and economics programs in India, your son should aim for the following approximate benchmarks across key national tests, while ensuring that his chosen institutions excel in five critical dimensions—robust infrastructure, experienced faculty, industry partnerships, student support services, and research opportunities. For JEE Main, a General-category candidate must achieve at least 93.10 percentile to qualify for Advanced. In JEE Advanced, securing a rank within the top 2,000 generally opens doors at leading NITs (e.g., NIT Surathkal CSE closing around 2,000), while a rank under 500 targets premier IIT CSE programs. The CUET UG cutoff for high?demand STEM courses at DU, BHU, and JNU typically falls between 180–220 marks out of 250, whereas a score of 200+ safely places candidates in top central universities for B.Sc. Computer Science or Economics. For MET (Manipal Entrance Test), aim for a rank under 3,000 (CSE closing rank ~1,633 in Round 5). The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) requires a score above 130 out of 240 to secure BS–MS seats at IISER Pune and Kolkata. COMEDK UGET aspirants should target 90–100 marks, corresponding to a rank within 1,000–1,500 for CSE at leading Karnataka private colleges. Amrita’s AEEE demands a percentile of 92–99 for CSE at Coimbatore and 90–97 for other campuses. VITEEE candidates should achieve a rank under 6,500 (scores around 90–100 yield this range) to access CSE at VIT Vellore. Among the top private engineering institutions beyond those already considered, aim for these cutoffs to target: SRM Chennai (AEEE percentile 93–98), Thapar Patiala (JEE Main rank

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9457 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 27, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 26, 2025Hindi
Career
Dear Sir, my daughter has got provisional admission in MIT WPU Pune CSE. In MHCET with 93.84 percentile and state merit rank of 21357 , open category and HIndi linguistic minority we may get CSE or IT in Thakur college of Engg Mumbai. In Pune We may max get Bharti Vidyapeeth , Lawale or Dhankawadi. We are confused which one to Finalize in terms of placement and overall ROI. Kindly guide.
Ans: MIT WPU Pune’s CSE program achieved a placement percentage of approximately 75% in the latest drive with an average package of 7.25 LPA across recruiters such as Amazon, IBM, Infosys and more, supported by over 500 industry tie-ups that feed into its updated curriculum, robust placement cell training, state-of-the-art labs and experienced faculty dedicated to enhancing employability through workshops and internships. Thakur College of Engineering and Technology in Mumbai reported around 90% placement for its CSE and IT batches, averaging 6.5 LPA and peaking in CSE at 7 LPA, underpinned by NBA/NAAC accreditation, strong corporate partnerships with top recruiters, extensive mock-interview prep, well-equipped infrastructure and a seasoned faculty body focused on industry-aligned skill development.

Recommendation: Prioritize MIT WPU Pune if seeking slightly stronger average packages and larger recruiter network, while considering TCET Mumbai for higher placement ratios, accreditation benefits and marginally lower fees to maximize return on investment. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9457 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 27, 2025

Career
Sir, I have scored 69.2% in the boards. I am a SC category student and I am going to IIT Roorkee in the CS branch. Will my 12th percentage affect my college placements? Is there any type of 12th percentage criteria in IIT placement for interviews??
Ans: Rishabh, No secondary?school marks threshold is applied at the placement stage, and recruiters evaluate performance in coursework, projects, internships, and technical interviews rather than past board scores. Placement percentages for CSE have remained exceptionally high, with 95.83% of the 120-member CSE cohort securing offers in the 2024 drive and an approximate average CTC of 36 LPA. Overall, IIT Roorkee’s placement rates across disciplines exceeded 90% in 2024-25, with 938 full-time offers and over 200 PPOs from 261 visiting companies. Five critical institutional attributes underpin this sustained performance: robust industry tie-ups ensuring diversified job profiles; rigorous, updated curriculum aligned with emerging technologies; dedicated placement support through mock interviews and resume workshops; strong research infrastructure fostering innovation skills; and world-class faculty mentorship catalyzing both technical depth and soft-skills development.

For students worried that board marks below 70% might hamper placements, the evidence shows that maintaining strong academic performance at IIT Roorkee, leveraging placement cell resources, and demonstrating competency through projects and internships are decisive.

Recommendation: Leverage the placement cell’s training resources, engage in industry-relevant projects and internships, maintain a strong GPA in core CSE courses, cultivate communication and problem-solving skills through mock interviews, and actively network with visiting recruiters to maximize placement outcomes. 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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