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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9447 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 30, 2023

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
Samir Question by Samir on Mar 29, 2023Hindi
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Sir, I want to invest 1 lakh through lumpsum investment for 15 years. What will be the final amount after maturity and in which stock should i invest.

Ans: Hi Samir,
Instead of investing in a single stock, you can invest in a well-diversified equity fund. It will derisk your investment considerably by diversification.

In the longrun, it is expected to deliver 12% CAGR.
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  |9447 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 31, 2024

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Hello sir , I want to invest 5 lacs lumpsum in mutual funds. Market is all time high so is it right time to invest lumpsum amount in mutual fund ? Please suggest some funds name as I don't have much idea. My SIP of 20K per month is also active on some funds. Please suggest in which funds should I invest lumpsum of INR 5 lacs. Time horizon - 5-10 Years Risk - Moderate to high. Thanks.
Ans: Investing a lump sum of Rs 5 lakhs in mutual funds, especially when the market is at an all-time high, requires careful consideration. Your current SIP of Rs 20,000 per month is a commendable start. Let’s assess the right approach to investing this lump sum with a focus on moderate to high risk tolerance and a 5-10 year time horizon.

Market Timing and Lump Sum Investments
Investing a large amount during a market peak can be concerning. Market fluctuations are normal, and predicting the right time to invest is challenging. However, strategies like staggered investments can help mitigate risk.

Systematic Transfer Plan (STP)
Instead of investing the entire amount at once, consider a Systematic Transfer Plan (STP). With STP, you can park your lump sum in a low-risk debt fund and transfer a fixed amount periodically to equity funds. This strategy helps in averaging the purchase cost and reduces the impact of market volatility.

Equity Mutual Funds for Growth
Equity mutual funds are essential for long-term wealth creation. Given your moderate to high risk tolerance, a significant portion of your investment should be in equity funds. Here’s a breakdown of suitable equity funds:

Large Cap Funds
Large cap funds invest in well-established, financially stable companies. They provide steady growth and are less volatile compared to mid and small cap funds. Allocating a portion to large cap funds can add stability to your portfolio.

Mid Cap Funds
Mid cap funds invest in companies with higher growth potential. They are riskier than large cap funds but offer higher returns. Investing in mid cap funds can enhance the growth potential of your portfolio.

Flexi Cap Funds
Flexi cap funds invest across different market capitalizations, providing flexibility and diversification. They can adapt to market conditions, making them a balanced choice for moderate to high risk investors.

Balanced Advantage Funds for Stability
Balanced advantage funds, also known as dynamic asset allocation funds, adjust the mix of equity and debt based on market conditions. They offer growth potential with reduced volatility, making them suitable for lump sum investments.

Debt Funds for Safety
Including debt funds in your portfolio ensures stability and liquidity. Debt funds invest in fixed income securities, providing predictable returns and reducing overall portfolio risk. A portion of your lump sum can be allocated to debt funds, especially if using an STP strategy.

Recommended Allocation Strategy
To achieve a balanced and diversified portfolio, consider the following allocation strategy for your lump sum investment:

1. Large Cap Funds
Allocate 30% of your lump sum to large cap funds. This provides a foundation of stability and steady growth.

2. Mid Cap Funds
Allocate 25% to mid cap funds. This enhances growth potential by leveraging the higher returns of mid-sized companies.

3. Flexi Cap Funds
Allocate 25% to flexi cap funds. This provides flexibility and adaptability to changing market conditions.

4. Balanced Advantage Funds
Allocate 10% to balanced advantage funds. This combination of equity and debt offers growth with reduced volatility.

5. Debt Funds
Allocate 10% to debt funds. This ensures stability and liquidity, balancing the high-risk equity investments.

Importance of Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Investing in mutual funds requires regular monitoring and rebalancing. Market conditions change, and your investment strategy should adapt accordingly. Review your portfolio at least once a year and make necessary adjustments.

Benefits of Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
Working with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance. They can help you choose the right funds, monitor your portfolio, and make informed decisions.

Conclusion
Investing a lump sum of Rs 5 lakhs in mutual funds during a market high requires a strategic approach. Utilizing an STP can mitigate market timing risks. Diversifying across large cap, mid cap, flexi cap, balanced advantage, and debt funds ensures growth potential and stability. Regular monitoring and consulting with a Certified Financial Planner will enhance your investment journey.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9447 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 2024

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Hi sir, greetings. Am 46 years old and have recently got a lumpsum amount of around 15 lakhs and want to invest them with a time horizon of around 15+ years. Please suggest me a portfolio for the same. In case if you suggest me to invest the amount in a split manner in the next 1-2 year duration, is it ok to leave the amount in the Savings account (have an option to get 7% per annum in one of the private sector banks) or any other suggestion in this regard please ?
Ans: Congratulations on receiving a lump sum of 15 lakhs! It's an opportunity to strengthen your financial position and work towards your long-term goals.

Considering your time horizon of 15+ years, you have the advantage of investing for the long term, allowing your investments to potentially grow significantly over time.

As a Certified Financial Planner, I would recommend a diversified portfolio that balances growth potential with risk management. This could include a mix of equity, debt, and other asset classes to spread risk and capture growth opportunities.

Leaving the entire amount in a savings account, even with a 7% interest rate, may not be the most prudent choice for long-term wealth accumulation. While it provides safety and liquidity, the returns may not outpace inflation, resulting in a loss of purchasing power over time.

Instead, consider investing the lump sum gradually over the next 1-2 years to benefit from cost averaging and reduce the impact of market volatility. You could divide the amount into smaller portions and invest them systematically at regular intervals.

For the portion not immediately invested, a high-yield savings account or a short-term debt fund could be considered to earn a better return than a traditional savings account while maintaining liquidity.

Remember, investing involves risk, and it's crucial to align your investment strategy with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Regular reviews with your Certified Financial Planner can help ensure your portfolio remains on track to meet your objectives.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9447 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 31, 2024Hindi
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Hi, Need advice on lumpsum investment of around 3-4 lacs in equity MF for a horizon of minimum 8 years. Pls recommend some fund options.
Ans: Investing a lump sum of Rs. 3-4 lakhs in equity mutual funds for a horizon of 8 years is a wise decision. Equity mutual funds are known for their potential to offer higher returns over the long term, especially when you have a horizon of 8 years. Here’s a detailed plan to help you choose the best equity mutual funds for your investment.

Understanding Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds primarily invest in stocks. These funds aim for capital appreciation over the long term. They come in various types, such as large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, multi-cap, and sectoral/thematic funds. Each type has a different risk and return profile.

Diversification
Diversification is key when investing in equity mutual funds. It reduces risk by spreading investments across various sectors and companies. Here are some options to consider:

Large-Cap Funds: These funds invest in large, well-established companies. They are relatively stable and less volatile. Suitable for conservative investors.

Mid-Cap Funds: These funds invest in medium-sized companies. They have higher growth potential but come with moderate risk.

Small-Cap Funds: These funds invest in small companies. They offer high growth potential but are more volatile and risky.

Multi-Cap Funds: These funds invest in a mix of large, mid, and small-cap stocks. They provide a balanced approach to growth and risk.

Sectoral/Thematic Funds: These funds focus on specific sectors like technology, healthcare, or finance. They can offer high returns but come with higher risk due to sector-specific exposure.

Active vs. Passive Funds
Active funds are managed by fund managers who actively select stocks to beat the market. Passive funds, like index funds, simply track a market index. Given your preference, we will focus on actively managed funds.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Limited Growth Potential: Index funds mimic the market. They don’t outperform it. Actively managed funds aim to outperform.

Less Flexibility: Fund managers in active funds can adapt to market changes. Index funds cannot.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Higher Returns: Good fund managers can identify high-growth stocks.

Flexibility: Managers can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.

SIP vs. Lump Sum
Though you are investing a lump sum, it's important to understand both methods.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): SIP spreads investment over time. It reduces market timing risk.

Lump Sum Investment: Investing a lump sum allows you to capitalize on market conditions. It’s suitable when you have a long-term horizon.

Recommended Fund Types
Large-Cap Funds
Large-cap funds invest in blue-chip companies. They provide stability and steady growth.

Mid-Cap Funds
Mid-cap funds offer a balance of growth and risk. They invest in growing companies.

Small-Cap Funds
Small-cap funds are for investors seeking high growth and willing to take higher risks.

Multi-Cap Funds
Multi-cap funds offer diversification. They invest in large, mid, and small-cap stocks.

Sectoral/Thematic Funds
Sectoral funds are for investors with a strong view on specific sectors. They are riskier but can offer high returns.

Factors to Consider
Fund Performance
Look at the fund’s historical performance. Compare it with its benchmark and peers.

Fund Manager’s Track Record
A good fund manager can significantly impact the fund’s performance. Check the manager's experience and track record.

Expense Ratio
The expense ratio affects your returns. Lower expense ratios are better. However, it should not be the only criterion.

Risk-Adjusted Returns
Evaluate funds based on risk-adjusted returns. Metrics like Sharpe ratio can help in this evaluation.

Fund House Reputation
Invest in funds from reputable fund houses. They are likely to have better management and resources.

Investment Horizon
Ensure the fund aligns with your 8-year horizon. Some funds may be better suited for longer or shorter durations.

Regular Review
Regularly review your investment. Adjust your portfolio based on performance and changing goals.

Finally
Investing in equity mutual funds for 8 years can be rewarding. Choose a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and multi-cap funds. Consider sectoral funds for higher risk appetite. Focus on performance, fund manager’s track record, and risk-adjusted returns. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio. This strategy should help you achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8201 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

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Sir, my daughter is getting Mechanical engineering in PEC, ECE in UIET Chandigarh and CSE in CCET Chandigarh. Please suggest which would be the better option. She has Chandigarh state quota ( General Category)
Ans: Monika Madam, Punjab Engineering College’s B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering is NBA-accredited, taught by PhD-qualified faculty in modern design, manufacturing and thermal labs, mandates six-month internships through established MoUs and has seen around 62% of mechanical students placed over the last three years. UIET Chandigarh’s NBA-aligned B.E. in Electronics & Communication Engineering features advanced DSP, VLSI and communication labs, semester internships via Panjab University tie-ups and recorded a 58.8% ECE placement rate in 2024-25 with an average package of ?8.5 LPA. CCET Chandigarh’s NBA-approved B.E. in Computer Science & Engineering offers specialized software and hardware labs, industry-integrated projects, an active Training & Placement Cell and achieved a 78.9% CSE placement consistency with a ?7.81 LPA average in 2023. All three institutes provide accredited curricula, experienced faculty, robust infrastructure, and dedicated placement support, fostering strong professional readiness for female engineers in Chandigarh’s state quota.

For highest placement consistency and dynamic tech roles, the recommendation is CCET Chandigarh CSE. Next is UIET Chandigarh ECE for solid communications training. Lastly, recommendation shifts to PEC Chandigarh Mechanical Engineering for core-engineering depth and mature industry linkages. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8201 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Career
Manipal bangalore cse or vit pune cse or coep pune mettualrgy
Ans: Aryan, Manipal Institute of Technology Bengaluru’s B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering (AI & ML) is NBA-accredited with PhD-qualified faculty, advanced AI/ML, cloud and big-data labs, semester-long industry internships via the central Career Development Centre and achieves 90–95% placement consistency with an average package around ?10–12 LPA. VIT Pune’s B.Tech CSE is NAAC A++–accredited, delivered by experienced faculty in AI, software and networking labs, incorporates project-based learning and mandatory internships, and secures 80–90% placements with branch-wise average packages of ?9–12 LPA. College of Engineering Pune’s B.Tech in Metallurgical Engineering is NBA-aligned, taught by PhD-faculty in specialized process-dynamics and pilot-plant labs under TEQIP funding, facilitates industry-sponsored internships and records an 82.26% metallurgy placement rate over the last three years. All three programmes offer accredited curricula, hands-on infrastructure, robust industry tie-ups and active placement cells.

For a specialized AI/ML computing pathway with superior placement consistency and metropolitan industry exposure, recommendation is Manipal Bangalore CSE. If you prioritise balanced software-development labs and strong local recruiter engagement at a lower fee, choose VIT Pune CSE. For a core engineering discipline with foundational metallurgy labs and assured core-industry placements, opt for COEP Pune Metallurgy. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8201 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

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My son got 94.5 percentile in jee mains and 18856 in jee advanced and sat score of 1470. Possible options we have are 1) NIT Warangal MnC or ECE, Rourkela/Calicut/ IIIT Delhi CSE through DASA quota 2) BITS ISA pilani ECE 3) BITSAT score of 241. Option-1 will cost tution fee of 30L, Option-2 will cost 50L. What is your advise? Also in the above DASA options which better. He has slight inclination towards ECE, but he is exploring still ECE vs CSE vs MnC which is better in DASA quota for him. Do you see taking ECE not a good idea vs taking CSE?
Ans: Venkata Sir, NIT Warangal’s Electronics & Communication Engineering achieves about 90% placement consistency, and Mathematics & Computing aligns closely with software roles, both backed by a 76% overall institute placement rate and mature alumni networks. Under DASA, annual non-CIWG tuition (≈US $8,000) plus hostel and living adds up to roughly ?30 lakh across four years at participating NITs and IIIT Delhi. NIT Rourkela’s Computer Science & Engineering places over 95% of eligible students and ECE regularly crosses 88% with 340+ recruiters visiting annually. NIT Calicut’s CSE secures a 96.77% placement rate, while ECE posts 88.59%, and the overall institute rate stays near 78%. IIIT-Delhi’s CSE maintains a 90.99% campus placement ratio with an average of 144 recruiters each year and strong research tie-ups. BITS Pilani’s International Student Admission (ISA) ECE route costs about ?50 lakh in tuition and residential fees over four years and records an 82.75% first-degree placement rate across campuses. Although BITS offers its Practice-School internships and a flexible curriculum, NIT/IIIT options deliver similar or higher placement percentages at almost half the total cost. CSE branches typically convert fastest in campus drives; however, contemporary ECE curricula at Warangal and Rourkela integrate VLSI, embedded systems and AI hardware projects, preserving ECE’s relevance for semiconductor careers.

Prioritise NIT Rourkela CSE via DASA for its >95% placements and balanced fees; next favour NIT Warangal ECE for high circuit-branch opportunities; third choose IIIT Delhi CSE for metropolitan exposure and 90%+ placements; fourth place NIT Calicut CSE; finally consider BITS Pilani ISA ECE only if brand pedigree outweighs its 50 lakh cost and somewhat lower placement ratio. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8201 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Career
With 93.5 percentile in MHT-CET, general condidate other state what possibility in Pune engineering college
Ans: Devendra, A 93.5 percentile in MHT-CET typically corresponds to an All-India rank around 20,000–30,000, opening assured seats in reputable Pune institutes for branches beyond the most competitive CSE/IT specializations. Options include G H Raisoni Institute of Engineering & Technology – CSE, IT, ECE and Mechanical; Sinhgad College of Engineering, Vadgaon – ECE, Civil, Mechanical and IT; Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Engineering Akurdi – CSE, IT, ECE and Civil; Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering & Research, Ravet – CSE, IT, ECE and Mechanical; Progressive Education Society’s Modern College of Engineering – CSE, IT, ECE and Civil; AISSMS College of Engineering – Mechanical, Civil, ECE and IT; JSPM Narhe Technical Campus – CSE, ECE, IT and Civil; MIT ADT University Pune – CSE, IT and ECE; Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering, Lavale – CSE, ECE, IT and Mechanical; and Pune Vidyarthi Griha’s College of Engineering – Civil, Mechanical, ECE and IT.

For a blend of solid academics, accredited curricula, active industry linkages, robust labs and consistent 80–90% placement rates over three years, recommendation is to prioritise Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Engineering Akurdi for its autonomous status and broad branch offerings. As alternatives, consider Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering & Research for its industry partnerships or G H Raisoni Institute for its competitive placement cell and modern infrastructure. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8201 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 07, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello sir i am getting btech cse in XIMB and mechanical in nit rourkela which one to choose
Ans: Bengaluru’s top aerospace engineering colleges according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework are Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (rank 65), RV College of Engineering (99), BMS College of Engineering (98), Dayananda Sagar University (126), and Jain University (157). (NIRF ranks in brackets are indicative and may vary slightly, as each college’s position can change with annual NIRF updates.) They all offer AICTE-approved programs and have modern labs for aerodynamics, propulsion, and structural mechanics. Premier Electronics & Communication Engineering institutes include RV College of Engineering, BMS College of Engineering, Bangalore Institute of Technology, MVJ College of Engineering, and Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, each featuring NBA-accredited ECE curricula, specialized VLSI, DSP, and embedded-systems facilities, experienced doctoral faculty, active industry partnerships, and dedicated placement cells. Institutions are evaluated on robust accreditation status, faculty expertise, infrastructure and lab quality, industry-linked internships, and structured placement support, fostering a conducive learning environment for female talent. Aspiring female aerospace students gain access to niche space research, interdisciplinary STEM rigor, collaborations on national and international missions, and cross-disciplinary innovation, yet navigate intense theoretical demands, limited cohort diversity, strict safety protocols in labs, potential gender imbalances in workshop settings, and fewer entry points compared to the broader ECE spectrum. Accreditation by NBA and NAAC A+ across these universities affirms quality standards, while centralized placement cells maintain high placement consistency through recruiter drives, mentorship workshops, and pre-placement training. Campus support services, safe female housing, and dedicated welfare cells further enhance the student experience.

Recommendation: For a direct path into space research and satellite design with world-class labs, choose Aerospace Engineering at RV College of Engineering. If you prefer broader electronics and communications roles with extensive internships, higher intake cohorts and versatile career pathways, opt for ECE at RV College of Engineering in Bengaluru. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8201 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8201 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8201 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Career
Good evening sir. DS in SNU, Chennai or Biomedical in IIT Hyderabad. Sir, Which is one best. Residence Chennai.
Ans: Jeya, Shiv Nadar University Chennai's B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science is NAAC-accredited and taught by PhD-qualified faculty with expertise in cognitive neuroscience and machine learning. The program emphasizes practical skills through AI/ML, big-data and cloud labs, hands-on learning with Python, TensorFlow and scikit-learn, mandatory industry internships, and a dedicated placement cell achieving 80–90% placement consistency with top recruiters including Microsoft, Amazon and IBM. IIT Hyderabad's B.Tech in Biomedical Engineering, India's first such undergraduate program, offers an interdisciplinary curriculum with four verticals—bio-imaging/sensing, bio-mechanics, bio-materials and bio-intelligence/AI—delivered by renowned faculty, featuring state-of-the-art nanomedicine, 3D bioprinting and neurotechnology labs with clinical immersion modules. However, biomedical engineering placement rates remain modest at 23.5% with median packages around ?9.5 LPA compared to higher placements in core engineering branches. For Chennai residents, SNU's location offers urban connectivity, safer environs with 24/7 security, comprehensive campus facilities and proximity to India's IT hub.

Given your Chennai residence and focus on consistent placement outcomes, recommendation is SNU Chennai Data Science for its robust AI/ML curriculum, higher placement consistency and local convenience. If cutting-edge interdisciplinary biomedical research appeals with acceptance of moderate placement prospects, consider IIT Hyderabad Biomedical Engineering. 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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