My Oriental Mediclaim coverage is for Rs 5 lakh under Royal Mediclaim cashless scheme vide PNB. I have completed 36 months, a conditional requirement (a facility only for PNB customer).

In this regard I have a few questions...

Ans: Hi Vilas, in order to understand the difference in the estimated costs, you should ask the hospital on what parameters they have estimated the two costs. Questions on treatment protocol, room charges and type, doctor’s fee etc., should be asked.

When choosing cashless treatment, the patients often opt for the best facilities that they may not have opted for otherwise. Sometimes hospitals may run some additional tests as well in order to avoid back and forth on your claim settlements, when it is a direct transaction between insurer and the hospital.

However, if you feel that you are being overcharged, then you should report any discrepancy in what you are being charged for, to the insurer. Insurance companies take such cases very seriously, which is why insurers have preferred network hospitals that agree on a certain pricing for various treatments and other tariffs.

In case it is observed that there is any abuse of cost or sum insured then there is a chance of being de-paneled and hence a check is in place.

Ans: Hi Bhupesh, there is no ‘one size fits all’ concept with health insurance. Health insurance is based on preferences of the customer and then the premium quotes are generated based on those factors. You can use insurance broking websites to compare the offerings on the mentioned 5 factors and the premiums for various policies that will help you to compare their benefits and make an informed choice. Depending on your priorities, weigh out the factors and decide accordingly.

Since you have mentioned about your family, you can opt for Family Health Insurance policies with an appropriate sum insured to cover your entire family. Like I have mentioned before, premiums are unique to individuals depending on their preferences, the sum insured they deem suitable, the riders they choose, their medical history etc.

What you can do to ensure you buy the correct policy for yourself is to evaluate policies carefully, keeping in mind the 5 important parameters.

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Ans: Megasuryaganth, I assume you are referring to the cutoff off marks of TNEA. With a TNEA cutoff of 191/200, you are eligible for CSE at SSN College of Engineering, Chennai (2024 cutoff: 190.93) and Velammal Engineering College, Chennai (cutoff: 191–195). Additionally, consider Panimalar Engineering College, Chennai (cutoff: ~185–190) and Meenakshi Sundararajan Engineering College, Chennai (cutoff: ~180–185) as competitive options. For broader choices, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Chengalpattu (cutoff: ~158.5) and Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai (cutoff: ~175–180) are viable. Your VITEEE rank of 84,730 limits CSE options in VIT campuses, but TNEA’s 191 cutoff ensures strong prospects in Chennai’s reputed institutes. Prioritize SSN and Velammal for academic rigor, while Panimalar and Meenakshi Sundararajan offer balanced programs with lower cutoffs. Confirm eligibility via TNEA counseling rounds for precise allotment. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Sarabhit Sir, With 83 marks in JEE Advanced (SC category), your son’s expected rank is ~1,200–1,500, based on historical SC category trends. This rank range typically secures admission to core branches (Civil, Mechanical, Metallurgical) at newer IITs like IIT Bhilai, IIT Palakkad, or IIT Jammu, where 2024 cutoffs for these programs closed at ranks 2,845–4,193. While top-tier IITs (Bombay, Delhi) and competitive branches (CSE, EE) remain unlikely (cutoffs:

Ans: Sudha, Choosing between KIIT CSE, SRM KTR CSE (Software Engineering), and Manipal Bengaluru hinges on specialization versus institutional strengths. KIIT’s ABET-accredited CSE offers global recognition, advanced labs (NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core), and diverse recruiters (TCS, IBM), ideal for core software roles. SRM KTR’s Software Engineering specialization provides industry-aligned training (Agile, DevOps) with robust internships (Zoho, HCL), suited for niche IT careers. While both KIIT and SRM have comparable placement networks, SRM’s metro location (Chennai) enhances industry exposure. For Manipal Bengaluru, a MET score of 97 (rank ~18,000–25,000) may secure IT or AIML, as CSE cutoff (~5,687) is unattainable. Manipal’s newer Bengaluru campus lacks the legacy of its main campus but offers modern infrastructure and central placements. Prioritize SRM for specialized software training, KIIT for accreditation breadth, or Manipal Bengaluru for brand value with allied tech branches. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Your discipline towards mutual fund investing is admirable. You already have a good head start with your current investments. But let’s assess your portfolio, rebalance it smartly, and align it with your goals clearly.

Here is a complete 360-degree assessment of your mutual fund portfolio.

 

Portfolio Suitability as per Your Goals
You are 45 years now. Your key goals are after 10 years.

 

You want Rs. 1 crore for your child’s education.

 

You also want Rs. 1 crore for your retirement corpus.

 

These goals are achievable. But your portfolio needs alignment.

 

Your SIPs are currently Rs. 15,500. You can go up to Rs. 25,000.

 

This gives you room to restructure and grow your wealth.

 

Your risk profile is high. This supports growth-oriented funds.

 

Your investment horizon of 10 years is very reasonable.

 

So, equity-oriented funds can play a major role here.

 

You also need to reduce overlapping and duplication in categories.

 

Based on your age and goals, a proper category mix is important.

 

Also, monitoring performance is key to long-term success.

 

Evaluation of Current Portfolio
You have invested in large cap, large & mid cap, mid cap and flexicap.

 

This is a good mix across market cap segments.

 

However, some schemes have overlapping exposure.

 

You had SIPs in two good schemes that are now discontinued.

 

The Axis small cap fund has Rs. 56,000 invested.

 

The Mirae Asset emerging bluechip has Rs. 2.64 lakhs invested.

 

These are idle now. They must be rebalanced as per your strategy.

 

Total investment till now is approx Rs. 9.85 lakhs.

 

Your ongoing SIPs are across 5 different categories.

 

Portfolio rebalancing is needed to avoid overexposure.

 

There is no allocation to hybrid or balanced advantage funds.

 

You can add those for stability, especially as you age.

 

You need a mix of growth and risk control over the next 10 years.

 

Recommended SIP Structure
You are willing to invest Rs. 25,000 per month in SIPs.

 

That gives you Rs. 9.5 lakh of new investment in the next 3 years.

 

For proper diversification and balance, follow this structure:

 

Large Cap Fund – Rs. 4,000 monthly

 

Large & Mid Cap Fund – Rs. 4,000 monthly

 

Mid Cap Fund – Rs. 5,000 monthly

 

Flexicap Fund – Rs. 5,000 monthly

 

Hybrid Aggressive or Balanced Advantage Fund – Rs. 5,000 monthly

 

Small Cap Fund – Rs. 2,000 monthly

 

This structure ensures broad diversification and better returns.

 

It also provides smoother journey with balanced allocation.

 

Rebalancing of Existing Idle Investments
Axis Small Cap fund holding is Rs. 56,000.

 

Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip Fund holding is Rs. 2.64 lakhs.

 

These amounts should not lie idle or underperform.

 

You can redeem these and reinvest as follows:

 

Rs. 1.5 lakh to hybrid aggressive fund or balanced advantage fund

 

Rs. 1.2 lakh to a small cap fund of your choice

 

Use STP if you are shifting full amount to equity funds again.

 

Spread the switch over 6 to 9 months to reduce volatility risk.

 

This will bring back discipline and better long-term compounding.

 

It will also bring stability and growth into one basket.

 

How to Align Portfolio with Education and Retirement Goals
Your education and retirement goal both need Rs. 1 crore each.

 

So you need Rs. 2 crore in total after 10 years.

 

You already have Rs. 9.85 lakh invested.

 

You plan to invest Rs. 25,000 per month now.

 

This disciplined investing with proper fund mix will help.

 

Small cap, mid cap and flexicap will deliver long-term growth.

 

Hybrid and large cap will bring portfolio stability.

 

Rebalancing and yearly review will help you stay on track.

 

Avoid reacting to short-term volatility and stay invested.

 

Key Adjustments to Improve Returns
Avoid duplication in similar category schemes.

 

Select only one strong fund from each major category.

 

Shift idle lump sum into hybrid and small caps via STP.

 

Avoid sector funds, thematic funds or international funds now.

 

Increase SIP by 5% every year if income allows.

 

Review SIPs yearly. Drop laggards. Replace only after 3-year review.

 

Stick to 5-6 funds maximum in total.

 

Keep your funds manageable and meaningful.

 

Regular vs. Direct Funds
You should always invest through regular plans via a trusted MFD.

 

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can guide you better.

 

Direct funds may save some cost but give no advisory support.

 

They are for experts who understand the markets deeply.

 

Wrong selection in direct mode leads to poor returns.

 

In regular plans, your MFD with CFP gives continuous support.

 

This is key when markets are volatile or during fund underperformance.

 

Proper advice leads to better overall results than cost savings.

 

SIP Discipline and Risk Management
Continue SIPs without breaks. Markets may fluctuate.

 

But long-term SIPs deliver strong results with compounding.

 

Rebalance every year. Shift part of equity to hybrid over time.

 

In final 2 years before goal, reduce equity to protect capital.

 

Keep emergency fund in liquid mutual fund for peace of mind.

 

Review your portfolio performance every 6 months.

 

Track progress towards Rs. 2 crore goal.

 

Tax Considerations for Mutual Fund Investors
Equity fund long term capital gains (LTCG) over Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

 

Short term capital gains (STCG) taxed at 20%.

 

Debt and hybrid fund gains taxed as per your income slab.

 

Plan redemptions smartly to reduce tax outgo.

 

Use STP or SWP to manage taxes near goal maturity.

 

Insurance and Emergency Cover
Ensure you have health insurance and term life cover.

 

Keep 6 months’ expense in liquid fund as emergency buffer.

 

Do not mix insurance with investment.

 

No ULIPs, no endowment or money back plans.

 

Your focus must remain on mutual funds only.

 

Final Insights
Your investing habits are strong. You are consistent.

 

Your fund categories are well selected but need tweaking.

 

You must act on idle investments to improve overall returns.

 

Add hybrid and small cap exposure smartly.

 

Avoid over-diversification and direct plans.

 

Keep a long-term view and follow up every year.

 

Increase SIPs when possible and do goal-based planning.

 

You are on the right track. Some rebalancing will take you faster towards your goals.

 

Keep emotions out. Let data and strategy guide your investment path.

 

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

Ans: Hi Aditya,

Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) is a highly ranked course at VIT. I recommend you keep an eye on the VIT website for updates. If you are truly interested in pursuing this program, you might find yourself in category 4 or 5. So, don't waste time and stay updated on VIT's announcements.
BEST WISHES.
POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO!

Ans: The selection order is as follows:

1. BDS
2. BE Environmental
3. BSMS
4. Biotech
the first two courses are better.
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POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO!

Ans: Hi,
Anything and everything is possible in life. However, you should have a solid basic knowledge of the syllabus. If so, go ahead.
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POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO!

Ans: With a JEE Main rank of ~622,647 and 59 percentile, securing ECE in top Jharkhand colleges via JCECE is unlikely (BIT Sindri’s 2024 ECE cutoff: ~498–618 Home State). However, VIT-AP remains feasible through category-based admission, given its broader cutoff range (50,000–130,000). Explore state-level institutes like National Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Ranchi (JCECE cutoff: ~15,000–20,000) or private colleges such as Amity University Jharkhand (direct admission via board marks). Consider lateral entry post-diploma or emerging institutes like IIIT Ranchi (allied branches via state quotas). Prioritize VIT-AP for structured ECE curriculum, while applying to Jharkhand’s government polytechnics for diploma pathways to engineering. Strengthen coding/technical skills to enhance post-admission prospects. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Hi Samriddhi, your question is in....