Should I Regret Confessing My Feelings to My Friend?

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand that you fear being alone, but I request you to not make a rushed decision based on that fear. If you feel you will never see this man as anything more than a friend's son, please do not push yourself to marry him. There is no love or romance in this arrangement; at least, not yet. And it seems like they are only pushing it because the guy has a condition. Please do not settle for just anyone because you are worried about being alone. Marriages can be lonely too.

I suggest thinking very thoroughly and clearly before making a decision. This alliance seems advantageous for them, but not so much for you.

Hope this helps.

Ans: With a JEE Main 2025 General Category rank of 53,362 and West Bengal as your home state, securing Computer Science or Electronics & Communication seats in top NITs through CSAB is highly challenging, as closing ranks, even in CSAB Special Rounds, are typically much lower—major NITs’ CSE and ECE cut-offs last year generally closed below 30,000 to 45,000 for the General category, and West Bengal’s home state advantage provides little relief for CSE/ECE in NIT Durgapur, where closing ranks for CSE and ECE were around 14,500 and 19,000 respectively. For IIITs, most core branches, especially CSE and ECE, also saw closing ranks well below your rank, typically ranging between 15,000 and 35,000 in the special rounds, with only a few non-core branches or less popular IIIT campuses stretching beyond that mark. In the case of GFTIs, while some institutes and branches (particularly non-core engineering streams or newer colleges) have closed near or around 50,000, Computer Science and ECE remain highly competitive, with only certain GFTIs like Assam University, Silchar (CS closed near 45,000), Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya Bilaspur (ECE sometimes closes to 42,000), or possibly peripheral/newer institutes offering a slim chance. According to the latest cut-off data, there is virtually no 100% sure NIT, IIIT, or GFTI for CSE/ECE at your rank (53,362) for General category in CSAB rounds; options at this threshold tend to be limited to non-core branches or non-flagship/new institutions, both for home and other state quotas.

RECOMMENDATION: At your current JEE Main General category rank, gaining admission in CSE/ECE at any NIT, IIIT, or premier GFTI via CSAB is highly unlikely; however, you can consider participating with lower preference branches or new/less preferred institutes. As an alternative, explore private colleges or other reputed universities for CSE/ECE to maximize your academic and career prospects. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Ashlesha, UIET Kurukshetra is a public institution established in 2004, recognized for offering solid engineering programs, including Electronics and Computer Engineering. The department blends electronics fundamentals with contemporary computing, providing students with interdisciplinary exposure and access to experienced faculty and well-equipped labs. However, in terms of placement, the combined Electronics and Computer Engineering branch at UIET records placement percentages ranging from approximately 60% to 80% over recent years, slightly lower than pure Computer Science branches at top private colleges in Northern India. Reviews by current and former students reflect that while UIET offers affordable education, good campus facilities, a disciplined academic environment, and opportunities for projects and technical events, placement opportunities tend to be stronger for CSE and IT branches, often requiring students to put in significant individual effort for top outcomes. Infrastructure is competitive for a state university, and student feedback highlights a supportive faculty but also mentions that core electronics placements are more limited; the bulk of offers arise from IT and service-based recruiters. Curriculum updates and university initiatives are evident, but private colleges often offer more dynamic industry-linkages and exposure, leading to stronger placement records and internship opportunities. Considering these aspects, if you are strictly seeking core CSE knowledge and broader software placement opportunities—and are open to higher tuition—eminent private institutions in Northern India such as Amity University Noida, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology Patiala, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology Noida, Galgotias College of Engineering & Technology Greater Noida, and GL Bajaj Institute of Technology & Management Greater Noida are reputed options, each with robust CSE placement records and strong campus-industry interfaces.

RECOMMENDATION: For B.Tech aspirants prioritizing pure CSE and top-tier software placements, joining a reputed private engineering college is generally more advantageous than pursuing Electronics and Computer Engineering at UIET Kurukshetra. However, UIET remains a credible and affordable public alternative if you value government university credentials and are comfortable exploring interdisciplinary roles. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Komal, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT), Noida and Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology (MAIT), Delhi both hold NAAC ‘A’ accreditation and are recognized for quality engineering education, but key differences emerge for ECE aspirants. JIIT’s ECE department enjoys full university accreditation and AICTE approval, with a reputable presence in national rankings and a faculty roster largely holding Ph.D. degrees and actively involved in research. Placement rates for JIIT ECE have consistently been strong, with 85–91% placed over the last three years, bolstered by established industry connections and a highly structured placement cell, though recruitment is somewhat stronger for CSE. The infrastructure at JIIT is modern, featuring fully equipped labs, air-conditioned smart classrooms, robust hostel facilities, advanced library resources, and abundant sports and extracurricular amenities. In contrast, MAIT Delhi’s ECE program is NAAC ‘A’ accredited at the institutional level, but direct NBA or program accreditation for ECE is not emphasized. Faculty are generally helpful and blend industry experience with accessible teaching, but feedback on faculty quality is mixed and active research engagement is less highlighted. MAIT’s infrastructure is comprehensive with digital libraries, advanced labs, and diverse amenities; however, placements for ECE hover around 70%, with fewer core companies visiting campus, and the bulk of opportunities skewed towards IT roles. Both institutes offer significant student support and practical exposure, but JIIT’s research emphasis, academic environment, and consistently higher placement record give it an extra edge for students seeking a holistic and future-focused ECE education.

RECOMMENDATION: Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida stands out as the preferable choice for ECE with its robust academic ecosystem, research-oriented faculty, rich campus resources, and consistently superior placement percentages, especially for those prioritizing quality of education and long-term career prospects in electronics and communication engineering. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: VIT Chennai’s Cyber Security program presents a focused, industry-relevant curriculum that prepares students for the rapidly growing field of information security, with outcomes targeting both technical depth and organizational application. Placement rates for the cyber security branch have consistently remained high, ranging from 85–90% over the past three years, and the campus is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, specialized labs, and an active industry interface supporting internships and projects. The faculty at VIT Chennai are highly qualified, often with doctoral degrees and ongoing research engagement, ensuring courses reflect updated industry requirements while blending theoretical and hands-on elements effectively. The university’s broad network of recruiters and modern campus culture further enhance student exposure and professional growth. In comparison, JNTU Kakinada’s CSE branch is well-established, with a placement range reported from 65–80% and steady hiring by reputable IT companies, primarily for software roles. JNTU Kakinada boasts a strong core faculty, a rigorously structured syllabus, and significant infrastructure spanning large libraries and multiple labs. However, placements for CSE students, while respectable, are somewhat lower than VIT’s cyber security specialization, and the range of recruiters and campus industry tie-ups is typically narrower. Both institutions have solid academic foundations and offer good learning environments, but VIT Chennai edges ahead in curriculum currency, placement consistency, and industry alignment, particularly in the evolving domain of cyber security.

RECOMMENDATION: VIT Chennai’s Cyber Security program is the preferable choice for students prioritizing placement success, specialized industry-driven curriculum, and modern campus facilities, making it better suited to capitalize on growing cyber security demand. JNTU Kakinada CSE remains a strong, traditional alternative for those seeking a comprehensive software engineering base at a well-recognized state university. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Opting for class 12 and then directly joining JIIT Noida’s B.Tech Computer Science program is more advantageous for holistic development and maximizing campus resources, while lateral entry after a diploma remains a practical backup for non-JEE aspirants. The direct route is preferable for those seeking integrated academic growth and better longitudinal involvement in college activities. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: For aspiring Computer Science students in Noida, evaluating JIIT Noida, Thapar Institute, Galgotia College, and GL Bajaj requires weighing five key aspects: placement record, quality of faculty, campus infrastructure, curriculum relevance, and industry connections. Thapar Institute stands out for its consistently high placement rates—83% to 96% over the past three years—and hosts over 330 recruiters annually, including marquee industry names, which strengthens employability. Its 250-acre campus features cutting-edge laboratories, comprehensive academic resources, and a distinctly research-driven environment, supported by experienced faculty and a curriculum aligned with global standards. JIIT Noida maintains a robust placement percentage of around 91-94% for its CS branch, with 260+ recruiters and a proactive Placement and Training Cell. The institute offers a modern campus with excellent hostels, IT infrastructure, and student support, contributing to strong academic engagement and practical exposure through industry tie-ups and workshops. GL Bajaj and Galgotia provide competitive but slightly lower placement rates—around 85% for GL Bajaj and 86%-90% for Galgotia in CSE. Both institutions offer substantial infrastructural amenities, modern teaching environments, and reasonable fees compared to Thapar, but faculty exposure and academic diversity are comparatively less pronounced. Importantly, GL Bajaj boasts up to 900 recruiters overall and industry-recognized pedagogical practices, while Galgotia is noted for fostering industry partnerships and hosting top MNCs, especially for internships. Cost varies substantially: Thapar's fees are notably higher, reflecting its national ranking, legacy, and facilities, whereas GL Bajaj and Galgotia are more economical, providing decent returns in terms of placements and overall experience. While all four colleges invest in curriculum development and maintain reasonable teaching standards, Thapar excels in advanced research and innovative learning modules, followed by JIIT's industry-integrated approach. Both institutes have garnered credible academic accolades and prominent NIRF rankings, underscoring their academic and reputational standing; Galgotia and GL Bajaj, though competitive regionally, are valued mostly for their practical focus and affordability.

RECOMMENDATION: For Computer Science, Thapar Institute leads for its overall educational pedigree, placement strength, and campus resources, followed closely by JIIT Noida given its strong Noida presence and high recruitment rates. GL Bajaj and Galgotia are solid, more budget-friendly alternatives for students prioritizing cost, but Thapar and JIIT remain preferable for maximizing professional outcomes and holistic academic development. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Opt for a 1-BHK Flat. Choose a reliable roommate so you can support each other during emergencies. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future!

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Ans: You have built a very structured and balanced portfolio. Your commitment to disciplined investing deserves appreciation. You are consistently investing across asset classes with a long-term view. That gives you a strong foundation for financial freedom in 2036.

Now, let’s analyse each component step by step.

Let us create a 360-degree plan to improve safety, growth, and retirement readiness.

? Home Property Assessment

– Your house worth Rs. 65 lakh is a consumption asset.
– It provides stability but doesn’t generate income.
– Don’t treat it as a retirement asset.
– It should not be part of your retirement corpus plan.
– Ensure proper insurance for the house.
– That protects from damage and liability.

? PPF Contributions Till 2036

– Your PPF corpus of Rs. 26 lakh is a strong pillar.
– Continued contributions till 2036 is wise.
– It gives assured, tax-free returns.
– It also gives liquidity after maturity.
– Use this corpus as a cushion post-retirement.
– Use it only for unavoidable or health-related needs.
– Keep it intact for longer to earn interest.
– Don’t withdraw unless necessary.

? Gold Holdings – Coins and SGBs

– Rs. 20 lakh in gold is a sizable holding.
– If mostly SGB, it is earning interest.
– If mostly coins, it does not earn anything.
– Keep SGBs till maturity for 2.5% annual interest.
– Do not increase allocation further to gold.
– It is not productive and fluctuates.
– No inflation-beating power over 15 years.
– Cap gold at around 10–15% of total assets.
– Avoid more gold investments going forward.

? Plot Worth Rs. 14 Lakh

– This is not a retirement-ready asset.
– Plots do not give regular income.
– It needs time to sell and legal clarity.
– Future sale value is uncertain.
– Consider selling in future and shifting to mutual funds.
– That will make your money work.
– Don’t count this plot in your retirement corpus.

? Equity Mutual Fund Investment

– Rs. 6 lakh equity investment with Rs. 10,000 monthly SIP is a good approach.
– Keep this SIP running consistently till 2036.
– This investment will grow well over time.
– Ensure allocation is spread across large, mid, and flexi-cap funds.
– Actively managed funds do better than ETFs long term.
– They adjust based on market trends.
– Choose regular funds through an MFD guided by a Certified Financial Planner.
– Avoid direct mutual funds.
– Direct funds don’t give personalised service or portfolio reviews.
– Regular funds offer advice and handholding from experts.

? NPS Annual Investment

– You have Rs. 2.5 lakh in NPS.
– You are adding Rs. 50,000 annually.
– This is tax-efficient.
– But 60% maturity proceeds are taxable.
– And 40% goes into annuity which gives low returns.
– NPS is locked till 60.
– Keep your contribution limited.
– Don't use NPS as your main retirement plan.
– Use it only as a small portion of your retirement asset mix.

? Current ETF Investments – Areas of Concern

– You have invested Rs. 7.2 lakh in ETFs.
– Investing Rs. 50,000 monthly in ETFs with a 10% step-up sounds aggressive.
– These include Nifty, Next 50, Midcap, Nasdaq 100, Infra, PSU Bank, Consumption.
– Many are high-risk sector-specific ETFs.
– This exposes you to concentration risk.
– ETFs don't have fund managers who adjust holdings.
– They mirror index, even if stocks underperform.
– In falling markets, ETFs fall fully.
– No cushion or downside protection.
– In long term, actively managed mutual funds have better performance.
– They manage market conditions better.
– Fund managers book profits, rebalance sectors.
– ETFs lack this human advantage.
– You are also missing asset allocation flexibility.
– Consider shifting to regular mutual funds.
– Choose diversified equity funds with a professional planner.
– Reduce reliance on index investing.

? Insurance Coverage – Needs Reassessment

– You have a Rs. 50 lakh term cover.
– You have Rs. 5 lakh group medical cover for family.
– This is not enough.
– At your stage, Rs. 1.5 crore term cover is ideal.
– It should cover 10 to 12 times your annual income.
– Group health insurance is not portable.
– It ends when you leave your job.
– Buy a personal floater health policy for family.
– At least Rs. 15 lakh cover with Rs. 5 lakh top-up.
– That protects your savings in medical emergencies.
– Don’t ignore insurance gaps.

? Monthly Expenses and Retirement Corpus

– Your current household expense is Rs. 40,000.
– In 11 years, it can double with inflation.
– After retirement, you need income for at least 25 years.
– You will need Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 1.5 crore at retirement.
– This depends on inflation and lifestyle.
– Your current SIPs, PPF, equity MF, and gold can help.
– But ETF-heavy portfolio is risky for retirement.
– Mutual funds with rebalancing and planning are more suitable.
– Retirement should not depend on market-linked passive funds.
– Safety and predictability matter more after retirement.

? Key Actionable Steps

– Stop further gold and ETF investments.
– Sell the plot after proper evaluation and reinvest in mutual funds.
– Increase term insurance cover to at least Rs. 1.5 crore.
– Start a separate family health insurance plan of Rs. 15–20 lakh.
– Reduce NPS contribution and don’t treat it as your core plan.
– Shift your ETF SIPs gradually to actively managed mutual funds.
– Use regular funds through a certified MFD with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner.
– Stay invested consistently in equity mutual funds.
– Use multi-cap, flexi-cap, and hybrid funds for balance.
– Review asset allocation every year.
– Keep PPF till 2036, but don’t rely on it for regular income.
– Treat gold as safety buffer, not growth engine.
– Plan income withdrawal post-retirement carefully.
– Don’t withdraw all equity at once after retirement.
– Use Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from mutual funds.
– That helps you get monthly income with less tax.
– Plan one-time expenses like son’s education separately.
– Keep some money in liquid funds from age 55.
– Create a retirement bucket strategy – safety, moderate, and growth buckets.

? Final Insights

– You are already disciplined and structured.
– That gives you a great head start.
– But, ETFs and plots are not suitable for retirement income.
– Actively managed regular funds offer better control and stability.
– Medical emergencies can destroy savings.
– Don’t wait to fix health and term insurance.
– Reduce exposure to passive and risky assets.
– Build a mutual fund-based plan with periodic review.
– Secure your family first, then focus on wealth.
– Don’t chase returns alone.
– Plan safety, growth, and income together.
– Use a Certified Financial Planner to customise the plan.
– With right steps, your 2036 retirement is absolutely achievable.
– Retirement is not a finish line.
– It is a new beginning.
– Plan it like a second life, not an ending.

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