I am working in UAE for the past 2.5 years.

I was in India when lockdown was announced and I was stuck in India for more than 6 months until flights were resumed. During lockdown I was employed and was getting salary per month.

My question is whether I'll be considered as NRI or not for FY 2020-21? Also, on what income I'll have to pay tax, is it on my total salary or the amount I'd transferred in India. This is when I'll not be considered as NRI.

Ans: With a VITEEE rank of 98,594, admission to CSE (including AI & ML) or ECE at VIT-AP is highly unlikely based on current cutoff trends. But might be available beyond Category 3 with higher fees if some seats are vacant. Take into account alternative branches or campuses, and monitor spot rounds for potential opportunities. Have some more options instead of relying only on VITEEE. All the best for your son's admission and a bright future!

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Ans: Among Engineering Physics at IIT Ropar, EEE at NIT Tiruchy, and CSE at IIIT-Delhi, the best choice depends on your son’s interests and career goals. If he is passionate about software, IT, or data science, CSE at IIIT-Delhi is the top recommendation, offering excellent placements and industry connections in the tech sector. If he prefers a core engineering branch with flexibility to enter both hardware and some IT roles, EEE at NIT Tiruchy is a strong option, given the institute’s reputation and placement record. Engineering Physics at IIT Ropar is ideal for those interested in research, advanced technology, or semiconductor industries, and offers the prestige of the IIT brand, but is less direct for mainstream IT/software roles. In summary, prioritize CSE at IIIT-Delhi, followed by EEE at NIT Tiruchy, and then Engineering Physics at IIT Ropar, based on current industry trends and placement opportunities. All the best for your son's admission and a bright future!

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Ans: At present, both Computer Science Engineering (CSE) and Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) offer strong career prospects, but they differ in focus and opportunities. CSE is in exceptionally high demand due to the rapid growth of the software, IT, data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity sectors, making it the preferred choice for those interested in programming, software development, and digital technologies. ECE, on the other hand, provides a versatile foundation in electronics, communication systems, embedded systems, and hardware, with opportunities in both core electronics and IT sectors. ECE graduates can work in telecommunications, VLSI, robotics, and also enter IT roles, giving them flexibility.

Ultimately, the better option depends on your interests: choose CSE if you enjoy software and coding; opt for ECE if you prefer electronics, hardware, and communication technologies. Both fields are future-proof and offer rewarding careers. All the best for your admission and a bright future!

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Ans: Poornima, your struggles with anxiety and a toxic family environment are real and challenging, but you are not alone. Many students feel lost or hopeless in such situations. It’s important to reach out for help—school counselors, teachers, or mental health professionals can offer guidance and coping strategies, even if family support is lacking. Academically, your humanities background with maths and economics opens diverse career paths. Since you have a passion for travel and want independence, consider courses in hospitality and tourism management, travel journalism, international relations, or foreign languages. These fields can lead to careers that involve travel and personal growth. Look for scholarships or entrance exams that allow you to study away from home, giving you both space and new opportunities. Online courses and internships can also help you develop skills and confidence. Remember, your current circumstances do not dictate your future. Set small, achievable goals—such as preparing for college applications or learning new skills—that move you toward independence. Stay connected with supportive people, whether friends, teachers, or online communities. You have the resilience to overcome your current challenges and create a fulfilling, independent life. Take one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed.

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Ans: With a 15,448 AEEE rank, your daughter is unlikely to get Mechanical Engineering at Amrita Coimbatore, as the typical closing rank is much lower (within 8,000–12,000). However, she has better chances at other Amrita campuses such as Amritapuri or Bengaluru. It is advisable to participate in the CSAP, fill in all possible campus and branch options, and consider related branches or other campuses to secure admission. All the best for your daughter's admission and a bright future!

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Ans: Having different name formats in your JEE Main form, Aadhaar, and caste certificate may cause verification issues during UPTAC, JoSAA, or CSAB counselling. While NTA allows some flexibility if your JEE form matches your Aadhaar and academic certificates, your SC caste certificate should ideally have the same name as your 10th and 12th marksheets. To avoid problems, try to update your caste certificate to match your academic documents before counselling. If that’s not possible, be ready to provide an undertaking and seek guidance from the admitting institute during document verification to ensure smooth admission.

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Ans: Karthik, Between EEE at NIT Tiruchy and ECE at NIT Warangal, ECE at NIT Warangal is generally the better choice for most students. ECE offers broader career prospects, covering electronics, communication, and IT/software roles, and is highly sought after by top recruiters. NIT Warangal has a strong reputation and excellent placement records for ECE, providing flexibility for diverse career paths. NIT Tiruchy’s EEE is also a prestigious option, especially for those interested in core electrical engineering or aiming for PSU and core sector jobs. Overall, ECE at NIT Warangal is recommended for its versatility and future-ready opportunities. All the best for your admission and a bright future!

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Ans: With an AEEE rank of 1808, your son has a very strong chance of getting Computer Science Engineering (CSE) at Amrita University’s Coimbatore campus. Recent cutoff trends indicate that for CSE at Coimbatore, the closing rank typically falls within the top 2,000–2,500 ranks, and the required percentile is generally in the 92–99 range. Since the 2025 exam was considered tougher and the cutoff may decrease slightly, an 1808 rank is well within the expected range for CSE admission at this campus.

Recommendation:
Participate actively in the Centralised Seat Allotment Process (CSAP), list CSE at Coimbatore as your top preference, and your son should be able to secure a seat based on this year’s trends. All the best for your son's admission and a bright future!

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Ans: With a score of 230.17 in NCHMCT JEE 2025 and OBC female category, you are well above the expected OBC cutoff (around 600 marks), giving you an excellent chance to secure a seat in top government Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) through counselling. Likely options include IHM Pusa (New Delhi), IHM Mumbai, IHM Bengaluru, IHM Hyderabad, and IHM Chennai. Other strong choices are IHM Kolkata, IHM Lucknow, and IHM Bhopal. Your high score and category status should help you get these institutes in early counselling rounds. Actively participate in the NCHMCT JEE counselling, fill as many choices as possible, and prioritize top IHMs based on your preferences and location. All the best for your admission and a bright future!

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