Is it wise to move to the new regime now? I am still under the old regime and I do ITRV2 Filing

Ans: IIIT Bhopal’s B.Tech in Information Technology is NBA-aligned under N-PPP status with PhD-qualified faculty, cutting-edge AI/ML, networking and web-science labs, a collaborative research ecosystem and mandatory internships via strong industry tie-ups. Over the past three years, the IT branch achieved placement rates of 87.03%, 78.84% and 100% respectively, engaging 150+ recruiters and maintaining an average package near ?16.32 LPA. The flexible credit system and centers such as Cognitive Computing CoE and Digital Public Infrastructure ensure both theoretical depth and practical exposure. Conversely, repeating a year offers focused JEE preparation—historical data suggests 50–60% of dedicated droppers improve sufficiently to enter top IITs—but demands exceptional self-discipline, quality mentorship and carries no guaranteed outcome, risking time and financial investment.

If securing a reputable IT degree now with proven placement consistency and robust research-training infrastructure aligns with your goals, enroll at IIIT Bhopal IT. Should you possess unwavering resolve, structured coaching, and the aim of an IIT-CSE seat outweigh immediate graduation, consider a drop year under expert guidance. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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

Ans: Both Manipal University Jaipur and NMAMIT Nitte offer robust Computer Science Engineering programs with NAAC A+ accreditation and NBA-aligned curricula taught by predominantly PhD-qualified faculty. MUJ delivers 88% CSE placement consistency with modern AI/ML, cybersecurity and cloud-computing labs, an average package of INR 9.50 LPA and partnerships with Microsoft, Amazon, Dell and Goldman Sachs. NMAMIT Nitte maintains 80–85% placement rates for CSE students over the last three years, featuring specialized software development and VLSI labs, NBA Tier-I accreditation for its CS program and strong recruitment by Oracle, Amazon, Sony India and Mercedes-Benz. MUJ spans a 156-acre campus with 485 faculty members and NIRF ranking of 75-84, while NMAMIT operates from a serene 125-acre campus with NIRF ranking of 151-200 and exceptional industry linkages earning it AICTE-CII 'Platinum' status.

For higher placement percentages, stronger industry collaborations and better average compensation, the recommendation is Manipal University Jaipur CSE. If specialized technical training, established alumni networks and consistent core-engineering placement outcomes matter more, choose NMAMIT Nitte CSE. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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

Ans: Hello dear.
Prefer Mathematics & Computing @ IIT-H if possible. The final decision will be yours.

Good luck!
Follow me if you like this reply. Thanks!
Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear.
Prefer CSE AI ML @ MS Ramaihya. The final decision will be yours.

Good luck!
Follow me if you like this reply. Thanks!
Radheshyam

Ans: Hello Krishna
CSE, AI, and DS seem to be challenging for top colleges with the mentioned score. Try with Alliance, CMRIT, SJCIT etc. on the safer side.

Good luck!
Follow me if you like this reply. Thanks!
Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear.
As far as possible, reconsider the idea of taking a drop. Considering his current score, it seems difficult to score above the 90th percentile. With the IMUCET, if possible, take admission to the preferred college and the allocated branch. The final decision will be yours.

Good luck!
Follow me if you like this reply. Thanks!
Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear
Unless you are fully committed to CS and willing to take the private route seriously, choose IIEST Shibpur, learn coding alongside, and aim for software jobs. It’s safer, cheaper, and offers long-term value. Frankly speaking, talking and thinking in terms of money and payment at this stage is useless. No one knows what will happen after 4-5 years in this changing field. Your job is to learn and excel in the course you are studying. Don't chase money; instead, let money chase you. Develop your capabilities and give your best with studies and extracurricular activities.

Good luck!
Follow me if you like this reply. Thanks!
Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear.
Your question is unclear to me. Please ask again in a follow-up if you asked previously. Thanks

Ans: You are 29 and paying Rs?5,000 monthly for a life cover of Rs?10?lakh under a LIC Jeevan Anand endowment plan. Let us evaluate this from all angles, and see how it fits into your larger financial picture.

1. What an Endowment Policy Means for You
It combines insurance and investment in a single package.

Premium allocation is split: part for life cover, part for savings.

Returns are modest compared to pure investments.

Charges and commission reduce your effective yield.

Insight: You are paying Rs?5,000 a month purely to get Rs?10?lakh cover and a small maturity benefit after long years.

2. Ideal Use of Life Insurance
Life cover should ideally be pure term insurance.

Term plans offer high cover at low premium.

Investment benefits should come from mutual funds or other high-return assets.

Insight: Pure insurance is better handled separately from wealth creation.

3. What Jeevan?Anand Offers vs Alternatives
Jeevan?Anand Features

Provides life cover + maturity benefit

Lock-in creates discipline

Bonus may add some value at maturity

Drawbacks Compared to Alternatives

Low returns – typically 4–5% net over term

High charges reduce benefits

Poor liquidity – difficult to exit early

Better options: equity mutual funds, PPF, or hybrid funds

4. Comparing Returns and Cost
A Rs?5,000 premium for 15–20 years may give modest benefit

In contrast:

Actively managed equity or hybrid mutual funds often yield 10–12% average returns

PPF offers ~7–8% with compounding and better tax efficiency

Insight: You may be leaving higher wealth gains on the table by staying in endowment plan.

5. Liquidity and Flexibility Considerations
Insurance savings plans are illiquid, with surrender losses early.

Pure investments like mutual funds offer easy access.

If goal ingredients or needs change, mutual funds allow freedom.

Insight: Flexibility matters over your investment horizon.

6. Should You Continue or Surrender?
Evaluating Continuation

If you are okay with low returns and long-term lock-in, you may continue.

But these funds could perform poorly compared to other vehicles.

Evaluating Surrender

Early surrender may involve penalties and partial loss.

However, future premiums can shift to better investments.

You must compare surrender value vs future expected returns elsewhere.

Do this comparison with your CFP for clarity. You need to ask:

What is current surrender value?

What rate of return can the premium earn elsewhere?

Based on honest growth estimates, do you gain more by staying or surrendering?

7. Transitioning to Better Alternatives
If you choose to redirect your premiums, here’s an approach:

Use a term insurance plan for Rs?50–100?lakh cover.

Invest the difference (approx Rs?5,000) into:

Actively managed equity mutual funds – growth over 10+ years

Or PPF if risk is unwanted and you want compounding benefit

Use regular plan (not direct) via an MFD with CFP credential
– Ensures fund review, rebalancing, and guidance
– Avoids trial-and-error and emotional investing

8. Integrating into Your Overall Plan
Here is how your new financial setup could look:

Component Allocation Rationale
Term Insurance Cover Replace LIC’s cover High coverage, low premium
Equity Mutual Fund SIP Rs?5,000 monthly To replace endowment returns
PPF / Debt Funds (optional) Additional safety For tax-friendly stability

If you also have other investment goals, consider allocating more to broader SIPs actively managed.

9. Why Actively Managed Funds Over Index or Direct
Index funds passively follow markets, including weak stocks

Direct (no-advice) plans feel cheaper but lack guidance

Actively managed regular plans include:

Expert-led security selection

Ability to move in/out of sectors based on conditions

Periodic performance review

Support through life changes or investment rebalancing

You benefit from fund handling and review support, especially as goals and market cycles shift.

10. Tax Efficiency and Withdrawal
Equity funds taxed: LTCG above Rs?1.25 lakhs at 12.5%; STCG at 20%.

PPF is tax-free on maturity.

Use appropriate funds for horizons and tax plans.

CFP guidance helps with tax-efficient switching and withdrawals.

11. How This Helps Your Long-Term Goals
Shifting to pure investments can boost corpus over time

Increased returns compound powerfully over 10–15 years

Term insurance ensures your family is protected

You get flexibility without locking up funds

The overall plan fits into a future where savings and protection are clearly separated

12. Next Practical Steps
Check surrender value of existing LIC plan

Compare with projected returns from MF or PPF

If it's better to exit, get help from CFP to reinvest intelligently

Adjust your SIP portfolio over time for goal alignment

Keep reviewing every year with CFP support to stay on track

Final Insights
The LIC endowment policy provides low growth with high lock-in.

A better structure separates risk cover from wealth creation.

Aim for strong returns via actively managed investments with regular reviews.

Term insurance + SIPs in equity/PFFP offers stronger, flexible financial build-up.

Make decisions based on returns, liquidity needs, and future goals.

Your premium can be put to much better use through strategic investments.
Consult your CFP for surrender analysis and structured redirection.

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