With Maharashtra’s HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate) results reaching an impressive state-wide pass percentage of 98.80%, this year marked a major academic milestone for thousands of students. In recognition of their dedication and excellence, Somaiya Vidyavihar University hosted a special Academic Excellence Felicitation Ceremony to honour the top-performing students.

HSC Achievers Felicitation Ceremony at Somaiya Vidyavihar University

Organised as part of the Somaiya Summer and Winter School Programme, the ceremony celebrated seventy-three students from across India for their exceptional academic performance. Toppers were awarded Certificates of Excellence, while trophies and certificates were also presented to their respective institutions. The honoured institutions included a diverse range of junior colleges, private schools, and public schools such as:

Pace Science Junior College, Thane; Billabong High International School, Malad; KJ Somaiya Junior College of Science and Commerce; Billabong High International School, Santacruz; Army Public School, Mumbai; Delhi Public School, Nerul; Reliance Foundation School, Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai; The B.S.G.Ds Jr. College; KJ Somaiya Junior College of Arts and Commerce; The Universal School, Ghatkopar; SM Shetty International School and Jr College; SK Somaiya Vinay Mandir Jr College; Somaiya Vidyamandir and Higher Secondary School, Sakarwadi; PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, Colaba, Mumbai; The Somaiya School; DAV Public School, New Panvel; Bombay Scottish International School; Pace Junior Science College, Andheri; and Scottish High International School, Gurgaon.

The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, and Lt. Gen. H. S. Khalon, Secretary, Somaiya Vidyavihar.

“The achievements we celebrate today are not just academic milestones; they are the foundation for a future filled with opportunities. At Somaiya Vidyavihar University, we urge every student to nurture their curiosity and resilience. These traits will guide them towards meaningful success and societal contribution,” said Prof. V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University.

Lt. Gen. Kahlon, Secretary, Somaiya Vidyavihar, addressed students and parents, saying: “It’s a real privilege for us to be here today, celebrating students who’ve scored 95% and above. This isn’t just one year’s success; it’s the result of years of hard work and the unwavering support of your parents. But if I may say, the journey is only just beginning. It’s a highly competitive world out there, but we have no doubt that each of you will go on to shine in whichever field you choose. When I look back four decades, the choices were limited; today, the world is wide open. Make the most of it.“

Through initiatives like the Somaiya Summer and Winter School Programme, the University remains committed to delivering inclusive, experiential, and future-ready education. These programmes provide students with opportunities to explore academic disciplines, develop essential life skills, and experience campus life-preparing them for success in higher education and beyond.

By recognising academic excellence and encouraging holistic development, Somaiya Vidyavihar University continues to empower the next generation of changemakers.

For more information, please visit admission.somaiya.edu/svuet.

With Maharashtra’s HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate) results reaching an impressive state-wide pass percentage of 98.80%, this year marked a major academic milestone for thousands of students. In recognition of their dedication and excellence, Somaiya Vidyavihar University hosted a special Academic Excellence Felicitation Ceremony to honour the top-performing students.

HSC Achievers Felicitation Ceremony at Somaiya Vidyavihar University

Organised as part of the Somaiya Summer and Winter School Programme, the ceremony celebrated seventy-three students from across India for their exceptional academic performance. Toppers were awarded Certificates of Excellence, while trophies and certificates were also presented to their respective institutions. The honoured institutions included a diverse range of junior colleges, private schools, and public schools such as:

Pace Science Junior College, Thane; Billabong High International School, Malad; KJ Somaiya Junior College of Science and Commerce; Billabong High International School, Santacruz; Army Public School, Mumbai; Delhi Public School, Nerul; Reliance Foundation School, Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai; The B.S.G.Ds Jr. College; KJ Somaiya Junior College of Arts and Commerce; The Universal School, Ghatkopar; SM Shetty International School and Jr College; SK Somaiya Vinay Mandir Jr College; Somaiya Vidyamandir and Higher Secondary School, Sakarwadi; PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, Colaba, Mumbai; The Somaiya School; DAV Public School, New Panvel; Bombay Scottish International School; Pace Junior Science College, Andheri; and Scottish High International School, Gurgaon.

The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, and Lt. Gen. H. S. Khalon, Secretary, Somaiya Vidyavihar.

“The achievements we celebrate today are not just academic milestones; they are the foundation for a future filled with opportunities. At Somaiya Vidyavihar University, we urge every student to nurture their curiosity and resilience. These traits will guide them towards meaningful success and societal contribution,” said Prof. V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University.

Lt. Gen. Kahlon, Secretary, Somaiya Vidyavihar, addressed students and parents, saying: “It’s a real privilege for us to be here today, celebrating students who’ve scored 95% and above. This isn’t just one year’s success; it’s the result of years of hard work and the unwavering support of your parents. But if I may say, the journey is only just beginning. It’s a highly competitive world out there, but we have no doubt that each of you will go on to shine in whichever field you choose. When I look back four decades, the choices were limited; today, the world is wide open. Make the most of it.“

Through initiatives like the Somaiya Summer and Winter School Programme, the University remains committed to delivering inclusive, experiential, and future-ready education. These programmes provide students with opportunities to explore academic disciplines, develop essential life skills, and experience campus life-preparing them for success in higher education and beyond.

By recognising academic excellence and encouraging holistic development, Somaiya Vidyavihar University continues to empower the next generation of changemakers.

For more information, please visit admission.somaiya.edu/svuet.

Retirement planning is one of the few key decisions that everyone takes in their financial life. A structured and consistent approach towards this can make your journey easier as well as efficient. One such approach is starting a Systematic Investment Plan, which offers you a structured approach to accumulating wealth over time. Here’s how an SIP investment plan can potentially help you work towards your retirement goals.

SIPs can help you invest systematically for retirement

Understanding the SIP investment plan
A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. Instead of investing a large sum at once, SIP investment plans break down your investment into smaller, manageable amounts that are invested at regular intervals, typically monthly. This method not only encourages financial discipline but also potentially reduces the impact of market volatility through rupee cost averaging.

Benefits of using SIPs for retirement planning

• Disciplined savings: SIPs help inculcate a habit of regular saving and investing, which is crucial for long-term goals like retirement.

• Power of compounding: When you start early and remain consistent, your investments may benefit from compounding. Over the years, even small monthly contributions can grow significantly.

• Flexibility: You can start a SIP with as little as Rs. 500 in general and increase the amount as your income grows.

• Convenience: With automated deductions from your bank account, SIPs are hassle-free and require minimal intervention.

Setting your retirement goal

Before you start your SIP investment plan, it is essential that you assess the amount you need to accumulate for your retirement. Consider factors such as your current lifestyle, year-on-year inflation, expected retirement age, and life expectancy. Here, using an online calculator can help you get a rough idea of the corpus you might need.

Once you have a detailed picture of your corpus, you can start working backwards to determine how much you need to invest and for how long. This will give you understanding on the amount you need to invest in your SIP investment plan.

Choosing suitable mutual funds
Retirement is a long-term goal. This means that investing in an equity mutual funds through a SIP investment plan can be a suitable option. Equity funds have the potential to generate better returns over longer periods, although they come with higher risk.

Then, as your retirement age nears, you may gradually shift your investments towards debt-oriented or hybrid funds that can potentially stabilise capital and reduce risk. This phased approach helps balance growth in early years and stability in later ones.

Reviewing your SIP periodically
While a SIP investment plan helps you stay consistent, it is also essential to periodically review your investments. As you go about life, both your income levels and market conditions fluctuate. Adjusting your SIP amount or the fund of your choice basis these changes can help you ensure that your plan stays aligned with your retirement goals.

Using a lumpsum calculator to complement your strategy
In addition to this, you may also consider investing a lumpsum amount when your finances allow it. A lumpsum calculator can help you plan your approach. This tool helps you estimate the potential future value of your one-time investment based on expected returns and tenure. Not only does this give the broader picture but also does it allow you to potentially accelerate your retirement planning.

It is also essential to align your investment strategy with your risk appetite and financial horizon. While SIPs offer a steady approach, lumpsum investments can be a suitable one-time push that your SIP investment plan might need.

Conclusion
A SIP investment plan can be a valuable add on to your financial journey. This valuable tool can help you build a retirement corpus in time. When used in combination with other financial tools in your tool kit like lumpsum investments, it may support your efforts in creating long-term financial stability. Remember, the earlier you start even with modest contributions, the more meaningful contribution you can make to your financial health over time.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

Retirement planning is one of the few key decisions that everyone takes in their financial life. A structured and consistent approach towards this can make your journey easier as well as efficient. One such approach is starting a Systematic Investment Plan, which offers you a structured approach to accumulating wealth over time. Here’s how an SIP investment plan can potentially help you work towards your retirement goals.

SIPs can help you invest systematically for retirement

Understanding the SIP investment plan
A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. Instead of investing a large sum at once, SIP investment plans break down your investment into smaller, manageable amounts that are invested at regular intervals, typically monthly. This method not only encourages financial discipline but also potentially reduces the impact of market volatility through rupee cost averaging.

Benefits of using SIPs for retirement planning

• Disciplined savings: SIPs help inculcate a habit of regular saving and investing, which is crucial for long-term goals like retirement.

• Power of compounding: When you start early and remain consistent, your investments may benefit from compounding. Over the years, even small monthly contributions can grow significantly.

• Flexibility: You can start a SIP with as little as Rs. 500 in general and increase the amount as your income grows.

• Convenience: With automated deductions from your bank account, SIPs are hassle-free and require minimal intervention.

Setting your retirement goal

Before you start your SIP investment plan, it is essential that you assess the amount you need to accumulate for your retirement. Consider factors such as your current lifestyle, year-on-year inflation, expected retirement age, and life expectancy. Here, using an online calculator can help you get a rough idea of the corpus you might need.

Once you have a detailed picture of your corpus, you can start working backwards to determine how much you need to invest and for how long. This will give you understanding on the amount you need to invest in your SIP investment plan.

Choosing suitable mutual funds
Retirement is a long-term goal. This means that investing in an equity mutual funds through a SIP investment plan can be a suitable option. Equity funds have the potential to generate better returns over longer periods, although they come with higher risk.

Then, as your retirement age nears, you may gradually shift your investments towards debt-oriented or hybrid funds that can potentially stabilise capital and reduce risk. This phased approach helps balance growth in early years and stability in later ones.

Reviewing your SIP periodically
While a SIP investment plan helps you stay consistent, it is also essential to periodically review your investments. As you go about life, both your income levels and market conditions fluctuate. Adjusting your SIP amount or the fund of your choice basis these changes can help you ensure that your plan stays aligned with your retirement goals.

Using a lumpsum calculator to complement your strategy
In addition to this, you may also consider investing a lumpsum amount when your finances allow it. A lumpsum calculator can help you plan your approach. This tool helps you estimate the potential future value of your one-time investment based on expected returns and tenure. Not only does this give the broader picture but also does it allow you to potentially accelerate your retirement planning.

It is also essential to align your investment strategy with your risk appetite and financial horizon. While SIPs offer a steady approach, lumpsum investments can be a suitable one-time push that your SIP investment plan might need.

Conclusion
A SIP investment plan can be a valuable add on to your financial journey. This valuable tool can help you build a retirement corpus in time. When used in combination with other financial tools in your tool kit like lumpsum investments, it may support your efforts in creating long-term financial stability. Remember, the earlier you start even with modest contributions, the more meaningful contribution you can make to your financial health over time.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

As the monsoon season brings much-needed relief through refreshing showers, it also presents a range of challenges for vehicle owners. Waterlogged streets, unexpected flooding, slippery roads and reduced visibility significantly increase driving risks. SBI General Insurance recognises the unique concerns associated with this season and urges vehicle owners to proactively secure the right motor insurance coverage. A comprehensive motor insurance policy not only protects your vehicle from potential damage but also gives you the confidence to navigate rain-soaked roads with peace of mind.

Stay protected this monsoon with SBI General Motor Insurance; Drive with confidence and peace of mind; #SurakshaAurBharosaDono

To keep you safe and worry-free on the road this monsoon, SBI General Insurance offers the following recommendations to ensure your vehicle stays well-protected.

Comprehensive Coverage for Water Damage to engine

Ensure that your motor insurance includes comprehensive coverage that takes care of water-related damage like flooding, waterlogging, or engine trouble when vehicle is parked. These issues often arise during the monsoon when rain can affect your vehicle’s electrical and vital parts. Timely preparation can significantly help prevent major challenges in the future. We recommend avoiding driving in waterlogged areas to prevent any damage to engine.

If you own an electric vehicle (EV), consider purchasing an “add-on” or “rider” feature for battery coverage, as most insurance policies do not include battery coverage. These features can extend the policys coverage for an additional cost.

Regular Vehicle Maintenance

Monsoon can prove harsh on your vehicle, but a little extra care during this season can ensure seamless travel. Regular checks on your brakes, tyres, wipers, and exhaust system can help you stay safe on slick roads. Continue to check water availability for wiper cleaning so as visibility does not get impacted. A well-maintained vehicle isn’t just safer; it can also help you avoid insurance claims for problems that could have been prevented.

Precautions for Hazardous Conditions

Even the best insurance can’t replace being cautious. Avoid venturing into flooded streets to avoid serious harm to your vehicle. Before every drive, ensure your lights, brakes, and tyres are in top shape. Remember, your safety and the safety of others matter most, insurance or not.

Mr. Udayan Joshi, Chief Operating Officer, SBI General Insurance, added, “Monsoons can be tough on vehicles, but with the right coverage and some thoughtful precautions, it’s possible to stay protected and enjoy the monsoon without worries. We urge all vehicle owners to review their insurance and make sure it’s ready to handle monsoon-specific risks like water damage.”

SBI General Insurance offers a wide range of insurance solutions tailored to meet every individual’s and business’s needs. From Comprehensive Motor Insurance and Third-Party Liability cover to add-ons like Engine Protection, Zero Depreciation, and Roadside Assistance, our plans are designed to help you stay financially secure, especially when the skies turn grey. At SBI General, we’re committed to offering practical, customer-focused insurance that brings peace of mind.

About SBI General Insurance

SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as Indias most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence of over 145 branches. In FY 2024-25, SBI General Insurance reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 14,140 crores, recording a YOY growth of 11.1%.

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named the winner in the Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.

With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

For more details: www.sbigeneral.in.

Oakridge International School, Bachupally reopened to the cheerful voices of students returning after the summer break. Students came back to more than just redesigned spaces- they returned to a culture of bold thinking, deeply personal learning, and a curriculum that is interdisciplinary and anchored in purpose.

Oakridge Bachupally reopens with a strong vision – Beyond Horizons

In a world evolving faster than ever, Oakridge Bachupally is charting a new course for education-one that goes beyond academics, beyond the familiar, and beyond the now. It marks a renewed commitment to preparing students not just for exams, but for real-world complexity-for the problems that don’t have answers yet, the industries that don’t exist yet, and the leadership the world will demand next.

“At Oakridge Bachupally, every child is encouraged to look beyond the visible, question the known, and journey into what lies beyond the horizon. With the school reopening, we have opened the gateway to dreams, innovations, and transformation-with a commitment to guiding every student beyond what’s expected,” said Ms. Anuradha Varma, Principal at Oakridge International School, Bachupally.

The academic year ahead promises a dynamic blend of academic excellence, innovation, and character-building experiences that extend far beyond textbooks. With an emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and compassion, Oakridge Bachupally is no longer just preparing students for the world-they’re preparing them to reshape it.

As the school community comes together once again, Oakridge Bachupally reaffirms its promise: to walk beside every learner, guiding them towards a brighter future-one they will help shape.

For more information, visit oakridge.in/bachupally

SMART Technologies, a global leader in interactive technology solutions, was recognised across three categories at the Education Excellence Awards 2025, highlighting its growing presence and impact in India’s education sector. Held at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel in New Delhi, in conjunction with the ET Education Annual Summit, the awards spotlight innovation and impact across K-12, higher education, and EdTech.

SMART Technologies Celebrated for Innovation and Inclusion at India’s Education Excellence Awards 2025

SMART Technologies was honoured across three award categories: Gold for Excellence in Assistive & Inclusive EdTech Solutions, Silver for Excellence in Interactive Learning Hardware, Tools & Device Provider, and Bronze for Excellence in Smart Campus & Classroom Infrastructure Solutions. Together, these awards spotlight SMART’s commitment to inclusive design, its leadership in engaging, interactive learning experiences, and its role in helping institutions build connected, future-ready classrooms.

Additionally, SMART’s partnership with Sense Kaleidoscopes, a leading educational institution for children with autism, was also recognised as the Best Inclusive Project in India, underscoring the impact of accessible, technology in neurodiverse learning environments and trusted partnership.

“These awards reflect the real impact we’re beginning to have in India’s education sector,” said Nicholas Svensson, CEO of SMART Technologies. “We’re proud to support educators and institutions who are advocating for more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning environments. Being recognised for our efforts reinforces our belief that when technology is designed for inclusion and thoughtfully implemented into teaching and learning, it can help every student thrive.”

As part of its commitment to supporting informed digital transformation, SMART is enabling school leaders in the region to align and inform their digital strategy with help from the EdTech Assessment Tool-a free self-assessment aligned with global education frameworks. Designed to help schools and institutions evaluate and strengthen their digital strategies, the tool is particularly valuable in emerging EdTech markets like India, where infrastructure and innovation are rapidly evolving. With thousands of responses globally, it represents the largest dataset of its kind, offering critical insights into the state of EdTech adoption and readiness around the world.

The awards come at a time when SMART Technologies is establishing a strong presence in India, strengthening local partnerships, and supporting schools and institutions with scalable solutions that cater to the evolving needs of modern learners.

About SMART
SMART Technologies is a pioneering force in the development of interactive technology solutions. Renowned for SMART Board interactive displays and comprehensive software offerings, the company is dedicated to creating engaging and collaborative learning and working environments, creating connections that matter for users the world over since 1987. With a focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, SMART Technologies continues to drive advancements in education and business technology worldwide. To learn more, visit www.smarttech.com.

TaskUs (Nasdaq: TASK), a global leader in outsourced digital services and next-generation customer experience, has been named one of Asia’s Most Inspiring Workplaces for 2025 by the Inspiring Workplaces Group (IWG). The recognition highlights the organization’s unwavering focus on innovation, inclusion and an employee-first mindset, evaluated across six pillars: culture and purpose, leadership, well-being, inclusion, employee voice and overall experience.

TaskUs India Awarded as One of Asias Most Inspiring Workplaces in 2025

“We’re deeply honored to be recognized on this prestigious platform,” said Sapna Bhambani, Senior Vice President of Operations and Country Leader, TaskUs India. “This award reflects the intentional culture we’ve built- one that champions psychological safety, celebrates individuality and supports personal and professional growth at every step. Our people power our performance and this culture drives our success.”

With a workforce of over 12,000, the India operations have distinguished themselves through a frontline-first philosophy and a comprehensive set of employee-centric initiatives. These include inclusive medical coverage, enhanced leave policies, robust career development programs and a strong focus on mental wellness. The company also runs signature programs such as Hope Beyond Life, which provides continued support to families of deceased employees including healthcare, scholarships and employment assistance underscoring its long-term commitment to care.

Workspaces in Indore, Gurugram and Mohali are thoughtfully designed to support well-being and inclusivity, with on-site gyms, daycare centers and gender-neutral restrooms, enabling work-life integration and accessibility.

The Asia recognition for India adds to a growing list of global accolades the company has earned in 2025, with operations in the Philippines also recognized, Colombia honored in Latin America and Greece being featured among the top workplaces in Europe – underscoring the brand’s consistent commitment to people-first practices across regions worldwide.

TaskUs India is also a certified Great Place To Work for both 2023 and 2025, highlighting its leadership in shaping the future of work.

About TaskUs

TaskUs is a leading provider of outsourced digital services and next-generation customer experience for the world’s most innovative companies. Known for its people-first culture and operational excellence, TaskUs enables clients to protect, scale, and elevate their brands. As of March 31, 2025, TaskUs had a global workforce of approximately 61,400 teammates across 28 locations in 12 countries, including India, the United States, and the Philippines. The company serves high-growth sectors such as social media, e-commerce, fintech, gaming, streaming, healthcare, and more.

To learn more, visit www.taskus.com

Leading general insurer IFFCO TOKIO has upped its retail game by launching a bouquet of insurance products, including Home and Health insurance, to meet customers’ needs under one roof. The Comprehensive Home Protector, a home insurance policy, and Essential Health Protector, a health insurance policy, are leading company’s charge into retail insurance segment.

IFFCO TOKIO has launched a bouquet of insurance products, including Home and Health insurance, to meet customers’ needs under one roof

Comprehensive Home Protector policy has been designed as per guidelines of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), with option of fire only coverage and insured can choose other perils as add-ons which include earthquake, storm, cyclone, typhoon, tempest, hurricane, tornado, tsunami, floods, inundation, lightning, landslide, act of terrorism, riots, strikes, malicious damage, bush fire, forest fire, burglary & housebreaking etc. Policy also provides coverage for jewellery and other valuable items, artworks, breakdown of home appliances, damages to household goods while shifting, bicycle, personal accident with medical benefit, loan payment protection, baggage cover, personal and tenant liability, auto enhancement of sum insured in certain situations, data recovery expenses with various other coverages.

While, IFFCO TOKIO’s retail health insurance policy ‘Essential Health Protector‘ offers unique features, such as no upper age limit for dependents, coverage to child from the day of birth (subject to conditions), dependent parents, dependent children, brother, sister, brother-in-law, sister in-law, nephew, niece or any other relation who is dependent or relatives living together with you, apart from spouse. The other highlights of policy comes are sum insured options from INR 5 to 30 Lakh, life-long renewal (if renewed without break), high coverage at low premium, co-payment option, emergency assistance services at no additional cost if you travelling with in India up to 150 kilometers or more away from home, portability (switching from similar policy of other insurer to this policy as per IRDAI guidelines), and availability of add-ons (on payment of additional premium), such as OPD, Dental, Maternity, Consumable covers.

Commenting on the retail products, Mr.Gunasekhar Boga, Executive Director, IFFCO TOKIO General Insurance Company Limited said, “Our retail products are designed based on extensive feedback and market-research and reflect changing needs to people. With these insurance products, we want our customers to enjoy a life full of happiness and peace, as we promise them to take care of their unforeseen expenses, be it a fire accident at home or a sudden health emergency. With IFFCO TOKIO, you can feel assured and relieved while we protect your home and health.”

As someone looking to start their investment journey, one of the most common questions you’d encounter is what is suitable – stocks or mutual funds. While each of these options have their own potential benefits and risks, your choice largely depends on your financial goals, risk appetite, and where you are on your investment journey.

Mutual Funds vs Stocks: Pros and cons

On one hand, mutual funds can potentially offer diversification and professional management. On the other, stocks offer direct ownership and control. For beginners, understanding the nuances of both can help you lay a suitable foundation that helps with long-term investing.

Understanding mutual funds

Mutual funds pool money from various investors to invest in a diversified portfolio comprising stocks, bonds, or money market instruments. These funds are managed by experts known as fund managers who make investment decisions based on the scheme’s objectives. For novice investors who may not have the time or knowledge of the industry, mutual funds can offer a structured way to participate in equity or debt markets.

One of the key features of mutual funds is diversification. This helps reduce the overall risk. Since the investment is spread across securities, the impact of underperformance by a single stock or bond can be minimised. Additionally, mutual funds offer various categories based on investment objectives and risk profiles that help you mitigate risks.

Understanding stocks

When you invest in stocks, you are basically buying shares of a company, giving you direct ownership. Stock investments can potentially offer higher returns, but they also come with higher risk levels. Thus, stock prices can be volatile and challenging for beginners to navigate.

stock investing requires a good understanding of business fundamentals, market trends, and company-specific developments. For those new to investing, this can feel overwhelming, especially in the absence of professional advice. However, stocks also provide the flexibility to enter and exit positions at will and can be suitable for investors who wish to take an active role in managing their investments.

Comparing key differences

• Management: Mutual funds are professionally managed, while stock investments require self-research and decision-making.

• Diversification: Mutual funds can potentially offer automatic diversification, whereas stock portfolios need to be built manually to spread risk.

• Risk and returns: Stocks may offer higher potential returns but also higher risk. Mutual funds aim to balance risk and return, depending on the type of fund.

• Costs: Costs: Mutual funds come with expense ratios and, in some cases, exit loads. If you invest through a trading account, you will pay brokerage fees too. Stock trading does not have expense ratio but involves brokerage fees.

Factors to consider before investing

As a novice investor, the most suitable way for you to enter the world of investing would be through starting an SIP, also known as a Systematic Investment Plan. An SIP allows you to invest small amounts at regular intervals. With its power of compounding and rupee cost averaging feature, SIPs help you develop a disciplined investing habit. For those who wish to take their financial decisions independently, stock investing can be explored as a potential option.

One important factor to consider before investing is your risk appetite. If you prefer stable investments with potential for long-term growth, mutual funds might be more suitable for you. However, if you’re open to higher risk and potentially higher returns, you can explore stock investing. Although, it is important to note that you need to spend time, effort and energy to understand the stock market.

How a compound interest calculator can help

Before starting with either option, using tools like a compound interest calculator can offer useful insights. This calculator can help estimate how your money may grow over time with regular investments and compounding returns. While mutual funds do not guarantee returns, understanding the impact of compounding can help set realistic expectations and track potential progress toward financial goals.

Conclusion

There is no single answer to whether mutual funds or stocks are suitable for beginners. It depends on your financial objectives, risk comfort, and level of involvement. Mutual funds may be a suitable starting point for those looking for diversification and professional management, while stocks may suit investors seeking hands-on control. Either way, it is advisable to start with proper planning, use available calculators and tools, and consider consulting a financial advisor to determine a suitable investment approach.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.