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Can US inflation affect your INR Savings? We know inflation causes the rise in the prices of vegetables, fruits, cars, houses, and even education.   Education inflation is not the sole factor affecting the rising cost of education. Other factors like cost of living, transportation cost, and dollar appreciation affect the cost of education.  Let’s find out the answer!   The rising cost of foreign education  Countries like US & UK are the most preferred countries among Indian parents and students. After China, India is the second largest source of international students. With a growing demand for foreign education and inflation, these universities have increased their tuition fees.  Over the years, the average cost of studying higher education in the United States rose by 1200% (from 1980-2020); which is far more than the rate of normal inflation in the same period.  In fact, numerous overseas universities have hiked their college tuition fees for 2022-2023. The University of Pennsylvania announced a 2.9% increase in its tuition fees, while Arizona State University announced that tuition fees would increase by 5% for international students.  Impact of Dollar Appreciation on INR Savings  When you plan to send your child to pursue higher education overseas, you should be aware of currency depreciation and appreciation. The planning to pursue higher education from abroad must consist of saving in dollar value So that you don’t lose out on the value of dollar appreciation. Let’s understand it in detail.  Suppose you are required to pay $1,00,000 dollar as tuition fees for your child's higher education. And currently $1=82INR, then you need to save INR 82,00,000. But, let’s say, the dollar appreciated and now trades at $1=85INR, in that case, you need to save INR 85,00,000. If you had saved in dollar values then, you would not have needed any extra penny to pay. But, if you have saved it in INR values, then you need an extra INR 3,00,000 to pay. So, if you are planning to send your kids abroad to study then, you should start saving in dollar value. Impact of US Inflation on INR Savings  Studying abroad not only means paying tuition fees, it means paying for other expenses as well like living costs, the cost of books, the cost of stationary, and the cost of transportation, etc. If inflation in the US is rising then the cost of other things will become costly as well. US inflation and dollar appreciation will have a direct impact on your INR savings. Suppose, the living cost in the US is $1000 per month currently and the dollar is trading at $ 1=82 INR. Then you need Rs 82,000 per month as living expenses. But let’s say inflation in the US has caused an impact on living expenses by 5%, then the cost of living will be $1050. At the same time, the dollar has also appreciated and now one dollar is trading at 90 INR. So, the overall impact on INR savings will be 15.24%. Now, you need to pay 94,500 INR per month as living expenses.  How can you protect your savings from US inflation?  Most parents do not realize the rising cost of higher education until it’s too late. They have little option left at the end – either to compromise on the quality of education or opt for education loans that take years to pay off. Both these options can drastically impact your child’s future and potentially risk their careers  Saving and investing early is the right way to protect your child’s higher education. The sooner you start saving and investing, the better it is. The time horizon will help you to determine when you need the money, how much you need it, and how to reach the goal.   The country you desire to send your child to can determine which asset class you should be investing in. If you are planning to send them abroad, then considering US ETFs and US equities is highly beneficial as this will provide you with geographical diversification in terms of investing, which will also cover the purchasing power parity in the future when your child starts spending in dollars or pounds.     Conclusion  If you are planning to send your child abroad start saving and investing in dollar value, and also start as early as possible.  TALK TO AN EXPERT

The affordable living expenses in Germany, a stable economy, high-class living, and numerous job opportunities make the country one of the premier destinations for quality education and successful careers.  The cost of living in Germany depends on the location of the university because some cities are relatively more expensive than others. It is important to be flexible if a student wants to thrive on a limited amount. The average living expenses in Germany for Indian students vary between 10,200 EUR – 12,000 EUR (nearly INR 8.1 lakhs – INR 9.5 lakhs) every year.  Students should be aware of their living expenses before traveling abroad as it is helpful in creating a budget for living expenses. The college cost calculator on the Edufund app is a blessing as it helps to get an estimate about the future living expenses besides the education costs and create a personalized financial budget based on needs and requirements. Semester contributions Most of the universities in Germany are state-run; hence the education cost is a bare minimum. Students, however, have to contribute between EUR 175 – EUR 250 (nearly INR 13,993 – INR 19,990) per semester for administrative fees and student amenities.  Students can also apply for a public transport pass or a semester ticket that costs between EUR 25 – EUR 200 (nearly INR 1,999 – INR 15,992) for six months, based on the type and location of the university. They will not have to pay for transport for the next six months.   Private institutions in Germany charge tuition fees, especially for non-EU citizens. Additional read: Education loan process for Germany Living expenses in Germany for Indian Students 1. Accommodation (average monthly cost) An important chunk of the living expenses goes towards accommodation costs, which depend on the location of the university and the type of accommodation the student prefers.  The preferred accommodations and their average cost per month are. 2. Food (average monthly cost) Students have access to restaurants and cafes on the university campus, where they can eat at discounted prices. For students that live off-campus, local street vendors and food trucks are an option.  The living expenses in Germany are manageable for Indian students as there are Indian stores that can provide ingredients to cook authentic food items. Students who have to rely on restaurants need to remember that eating out on a regular basis will prove expensive.  Self-cooking is the best way to manage funds because the cost of basic food and beverages is affordable.  Average costs on some of the common food items include. 3. Transportation  The daily public transport facilities in Germany cost around EUR 20 (nearly INR 1,599) and a monthly pass will cost EUR 200 (nearly INR 15,992). Students can apply for student passes or choose to move around via rented bicycles at a nominal fee. 4. Health insurance International students must have health insurance in Germany. Students who are studying degree programs are eligible for a public health insurance plan that costs between EUR 70 – EUR 80 (nearly INR 5,597 – INR 6396) per month. Whereas students above 30+ should have private health insurance that costs between EUR 400 – EUR 500 ((nearly INR 31,984 – INR 39,980) per month. 5. Utilities and Bills Students living off-campus have to pay for water, electricity, garbage, and heating. In some cases, the bill is included with rent, otherwise; it costs nearly EUR 29.42 ((nearly INR 2,352) for a kilowatt-hour. How to save more as an international student in Germany?  Keep a fixed budget for the month Studying abroad means, you will be away from your parent and you’ll be alone so you need to have a budget for everything.  Talk to locals  Talk to locals around you because they know that place more than you. They will tell you the best deals around you in restaurants, cafes, and all.  Cook for yourself Go to the local grocery market and cook for yourself. Eating outside daily can cost you way more than cooking for yourself.  Get a flatmate/roommate Sharing space and your accommodation mean that you will be able to cut costs. It will save you money. Staying alone in a flat or room means you will spend more. If you get a flatmate/roommate, the price of that place will be half. You will end up splitting utility costs as well.   Do a side hustle Earn money by doing some part-time jobs or a side hustle. By doing that you will learn and also earn extra for you.   Use public transportation or a bicycle Using public transport daily is the best way to save money in countries like Germany. Private cabs and rentals can be very expensive for students. If you live in a small town, then opting for a bicycle to roam the city is the most cost-effective method.   Go secondhand Cut costs wherever you can and the best way to do this is by opting for second-hand products. Suppose you need a bicycle, no need to get a new one! Buy it from a second-hand market or from someone who doesn’t want his/her bicycle anymore.  Save money wherever you can Cut off your unnecessary plans. There is Wi-Fi everywhere so instead of buying data plans use them. You should also unsubscribe from OTT subscriptions you are not using anymore. Or any auto-debit subscription that is not in active use.  FAQs How can international students save money in Germany? Here are some tips on how to save money in Germany: keep a maintained budget  Talk to locals  Cook for yourself   Get a flatmate/roommate  Do a side hustle  Get a bicycle  Go for secondhand  Save on your mobile bills  Is it expensive to live and study in Germany as an international student? In comparison to other countries and cities, Germany is one of the places which is less expensive. How much money can international students earn in Germany? You can earn around 450 euros (Rs 37,000) per month by doing part-time jobs. How much money do I need as a student in Germany? On average around 870 euros (Rs 71,000) for a month is all you need for your expenses. Conclusion Prestigious universities and reasonable living expenses in Germany make the country an excellent choice for studying abroad. If you are in a dilemma about the cost of living, then consult with the counselors on the Edufund app to know more about it in detail. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Bull market vs bear market - you have probably heard these terms in the news. There are many options, complications, and foreign terminologies in the world of investment. The terms "bull" and "bear" are regularly used to describe market circumstances. These phrases explain the general state of the stock markets, including whether their value is increasing or decreasing. Additionally, as an investor, the market's direction is a powerful factor that greatly affects your portfolio. Determining how each of these market circumstances may affect your assets is crucial. What is a Bull market? A financial market is said to be in a bull market when prices are increasing or are anticipated to rise. The word "bull market" may refer to anything that is traded, including bonds, real estate, currencies, and commodities. However, it is most frequently used to describe the stock market. The term "bull market" is normally reserved for prolonged periods in which a significant share of asset prices is rising. This is due to the fact that while trading, the prices of securities essentially fluctuate continually. Bull markets often last for several months or even years. What is a Bear market? Bear markets, which happen when stock values fall 20% or more over a protracted period, are the exact reverse of bull markets in that they are driven by pessimism. Bear markets sometimes take place at times of economic downturn and elevated unemployment, whereas bull markets are typically driven by economic strength. Investors desire to sell, frequently running for the security of cash or fixed-income instruments instead of buying into the market. There is a seller's market as a result. Bear markets can exist for a short while or for a long time. Bull vs Bear market Following is the difference between Bull and Bear Market based on various factors: How should you invest in a Bull or Bear market? Value equities are often better investments in down markets, whereas growth stocks typically perform well in bull markets. Because people believe that "undervalued" equities must be inexpensive for a reason while the economy is expanding, value stocks are often less popular during bull markets. Your time horizon will largely determine how you invest in stocks during bull and bear markets. It doesn't matter if the market is now bullish or negative if you won't need the money for a longer time span.  If you are a buy-and-hold investor, you generally shouldn't alter your investment approach in response to current market circumstances. Even when other asset classes are experiencing bull markets, the stock market can be bearish, and vice versa. Allocating a portion of your portfolio to gold or real estate may be a wise decision if the stock market is rising and you are worried about price inflation.  You may think about raising the percentage of bonds in your portfolio or perhaps turning a piece of it into cash if the stock market is down. Additionally, you should think about geographically distributing your holdings so that you can profit from bull markets that happen in different parts of the world. Keep your attention on the long-term potential of the firms in which you have investments, regardless of the status of the stock market. Businesses with strong fundamentals are more likely to generate long-term gains that are significant for your portfolio. FAQs What is a bull and bear market? A financial market is said to be in a bull market when prices are increasing or are anticipated to rise. The word "bull market" may refer to anything that is traded, including bonds, real estate, currencies, and commodities. Bear markets, which happen when stock values fall 20% or more over a protracted period, are the exact reverse of bull markets in that they are driven by pessimism. Which is better bull market or bear market? The economy grows in a bull market while in bear market, economy slows down. Companies register more revenue and profit during the former while in the latter, they are likely to suffer losses or a slow down. Why is it called bull vs bear market? A bull market is when the economy is aggressive and securities and assets are on a rise. A bear market is when the economy swipes down and stock prices tend to fall. These are referred to as bull vs bear market as they replicate the behaviour of the respective animals. Should I buy during a bear market? Yes, buying assets during a bear market is a good investment idea. Prices are on the lower end and you are likely to see a profit if you stay invested for a long-term goal. Thus, we hope that by now, you have understood the concept and the difference between Bull and Bear markets. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Similar to how one might set up a systematic mutual fund investment plan, one can create a systematic withdrawal plan to get a stream of regular income from investments on a specific date each month. In this blog, let’s talk about SWP in mutual funds. What is SWP (systematic withdrawal plan) Bank fixed deposits or postal deposits are frequently the default choice for investors who want a consistent cash flow from their assets. Investors are now concerned about their future needs for income due to the falling interest rates on these programs. SWP, a mutual fund product, provides a remedy for this. SWP, or systematic withdrawal plan, is a mutual fund investing strategy that enables investors to take fixed distributions from their mutual fund investments at predetermined intervals, such as monthly, quarterly, or yearly. The AMC will credit the amount of the withdrawal to the investors' bank accounts on the day of the month, quarter, or year they specify. The SWP Plan redeems mutual fund scheme units at the specified frequency to produce this cash flow. As long as there are still available units in the plan, investors may continue with SWP. Benefits of SWP The following are the top benefits of SWP:  Flexibility: A SWP plan gives the investor the freedom to select the amount, frequency, and date in accordance with his or her needs. The investor may also stop the SWP at any moment, make additional investments, or withdraw money in excess of the fixed SWP withdrawals. Regular Income: SWP in mutual funds makes investing easier for investors by generating a consistent income from their holdings. For people who want constant cash flow to cover ongoing expenses, this becomes very beneficial and convenient. Capital appreciation: SWP in mutual funds makes investing easier for investors by generating a consistent income from their holdings. For people who want constant cash flow to cover ongoing expenses, this becomes very beneficial and convenient. No TDS: There is no TDS on the SWP amount for domestic individual investors. Tax efficiency through SWP When units are redeemed to get the SWP amount, the gains from the selling of the units are subject to capital gain (if the redemption NAV is higher than the purchase NAV). Depending on the factors listed below, a capital gain may be defined as short-term or long-term: Equity-Oriented Funds: These are considered short-term gains if redeemed within a year of the investment date and are subject to a 15% tax. Gains realized more than a year after the date of investment are considered long-term gains and are exempt from tax up to Rs 1 lakh every financial year. Only 10% of long-term capital gains over Rs 1 lakh are subject to tax. Non-Equity Funds: If redeemed within 36 months (treated as a short-term capital gain) from the date of investment, the gains are added to the investor’s income and taxed at the rate applicable to him/her. Gains made beyond three years are considered long-term and are subject to 20% taxation after indexation benefits. For domestic individual investors, there is no TDS on capital gains in mutual funds, unlike traditional savings (such as FDs and postal investments). In addition to TDS, interest income from FDs and the majority of post office modest savings plans are taxed at the investor's individual income tax rate. Since the AMC deducts TDS at a rate of 10% from the declared income, SWP in mutual funds is preferable to dividends in mutual funds. Additionally, investors must pay taxes on the dividends they receive. How can you withdraw from SWP?   In mutual funds, SWP enables investors to personalize their withdrawal schedules. A specific sum can be paid to a person every month, every six months, every three months, or every year. With an appreciation withdrawal, you can only take out the amount that has increased in value while leaving the rest invested to grow. Why is SWP a good investment? You can withdraw money from an SWP plan in accordance with your needs. An SWP might help with cash requirements if your plan calls for funding in stages. With an SWP plan, you can withdraw money in accordance with your demands. You can facilitate cash requirements with an SWP if your aim demands funding in stages. With regular withdrawals, an SWP can assist in preserving the value of your investment, particularly when the market is erratic. SWP plans are a tool that investors can use to plan their retirement income. It enables people to routinely get a fixed income on a set day to cover their cash needs. It may take some time to fully understand your alternatives when picking an SWP.  As a result, we advise you to weigh all of your options before making a purchase. The majority of mutual funds will let you create a schedule for withdrawals that you may follow FAQ What is SWP in mutual funds? SWP, a mutual fund product, provides a remedy for this SWP, or systematic withdrawal plan, is a mutual fund investing strategy that enables investors to take fixed distributions from their mutual fund investments at predetermined intervals, such as monthly, quarterly, or yearly. Is SWP better than FD? The benefit of investing in SWP in mutual funds is that you pay fewer taxes and you have more flexibility to change withdrawals. Can I stop SWP anytime? Yes, SWP investors can choose the amount they like. date of withdrawal, and amount. You can also stop and withdraw the money as well. Is SWP income taxable? SWP redemption is taxable. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Are you looking for ways to start your investment journey? Are you confused between the lumpsum vs SIP investment route? Maybe mutual funds can be the right way of starting but which one you should choose?  Don’t worry, we’re here to help you!  Let’s get to know about Lumpsum and SIP: which is better and when to choose?  What’s lumpsum?  Investing in a mutual fund as lumpsum refers to investing a big sum of money to get locked up into a one-time investment. This is a one-time investment rather than spreading it out over time, like in SIP (Systematic Investment Plans).   Lumpsum investments are usually preferred by big players or investors who are actually dependent on company stocks for capital creation. For an investor with a massive funding quantity and a high-chance capacity, a lump sum mutual fund funding may be an amazing opportunity.  Suppose you get the whopping bonus at the end of the year and after settling all the expenses, you still have around Rs. 50,000 - 75,000 left! In this scenario, you can invest the money as a lump sum investment wisely as a lumpsum order in a fund of your choice. Benefits of lumpsum  With the lumpsum investment method, people can invest a large amount in one go. As a result, when the market shows a growth period, then the value which you have invested also increases.   Lumpsum investments are great for those who wanted to invest for the long term and have a bulk amount ready.   Lumpsum investments are great for the long term. If you are interested in a time horizon of nearly 10 years or more.  Investing in a long-term investment can be risky but still, it gives better returns.  While investing in long-term investment, gives the money more time to grow potentially. When to choose lumpsum investment?  If you have got a whopping bonus and after settling your expenses you can opt for lumpsum investment. If you are a freelancer and you’ve got a big amount after completing a big project then you can opt for a lumpsum investment. What’s SIP?  A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), popularly called SIP, is a facility provided with the aid of using mutual funds range to the buyers to spend money in a disciplined way. SIP scheme allows investors to invest money at defined intervals in a selected mutual fund.  The starting Investment can be as low as Rs 500 and the defined interval can be weekly/monthly/yearly. It’s convenient as you can give instructions to debit the price every month.  SIP has been gaining a reputation amongst Indian Mutual Fund investors because it enables them in making an investment in a disciplined way without annoying marketplace volatility and timing of marketplace. Systematic Investment Plans presented by Mutual Funds are effortlessly an excellent manner to go into the arena of investments. Benefits of SIP  With SIP, you can even invest as low as Rs 500 each month and let it grow. SIP is super easy, easy to track, and also lets you save more.  The best feature of SIP is rupee cost averaging, where you can buy more, when the market is not at a peak point and buy less when the market is at a peak point. This is because of the built-in feature of SIP, where whenever the market is low, you can buy more which reduces your cost and gains more.  SIP provides amazing flexibility. Long-term investments are not that flexible. You can withdraw whenever you want to at your convenience. You can either withdraw the whole amount or half of it.  As compared to other investments, SIP provides you with better and higher returns.  SIP operates at the percept of receiving compound interest on your investments. In different words, a small quantity invested for the long term collects higher returns than a one-time investment.  When to choose a SIP?  If you are a person who earns every month or you are a salaried person then it can be suitable for you that you can save and invest every month. Or, if you earn very little then you don’t need to wait for a big sum of money, you can just start investing a little amount every month.  If you can’t opt for long-term investment or can’t invest a large sum of money then you can definitely go for SIP to start your investing journey. SIP vs Lumpsum Now that you know what is the lump sum vs SIP investment route, it's time to analyze which is better for you.  Investment as lumpsum or SIP has its own set of benefits and advantages. It’s hard to choose just one because both are good ways of investing.   The biggest difference between the two depends on how you are investing. In lumpsum, you need to invest in one go while in SIP, you can invest monthly.  Many investors choose SIP as it’s more convenient and more flexible. It is also a good choice for small investors who are just starting off and do not have a huge income. As a SIP investor, you can start saving with as little as Rs. 100 with certain mutual funds. Conclusion  You can never say that SIP is better than lumpsum or vice versa. There will be something in both of them which will be better than the others. An investor can never choose only one.   Both have similar benefits and differences. That’s the reason why it’s important to start investing early so that you can learn while investing in your journey.  It’s advised you to choose one which is better for you and suitable for you.  TALK TO AN EXPERT

What is digital gold? What are the benefits of Digital Gold as an investment? How is it better than buying traditional gold? Digital Gold refers to the process of buying and investing in gold virtually. You can do all of this online; there is no need to go to a jewelry store. It’s the more suitable way of buying gold.  Investors who want to sell or buy gold can do it without any problems with one click. The minimum cost of buying or selling gold can be as low as Rs 1. Benefits of Investing in Digital Gold  Safe storage: The best benefit is its hassle-free and secure storage, which can be guaranteed. The gold you buy will be stored in a secured vault.  The minimum limit for buying or selling gold: There’s no limit on buying costs. The minimum cost can be as low as Rs 1. The person who buys the gold will have it registered under his name.  Collateral: If you are looking to take out a loan, then you can keep the digital gold as collateral for the loan.  Authenticity: Virtually all gold bought today is 24 karats, and that’s why it’s 99.99% pure. The chances of fraud are low.  Easy exchange: Another advantage is that digital gold can be exchanged anywhere, anytime, for physical gold or coins.  Gifts: It can be the perfect gift for someone’s wedding or birthday day. You can gift anyone the digital gold you brought without worrying about its safety and physical transfer. Disadvantages of digital gold  The price at which you have invested doesn’t increase. It doesn’t increase your invested money.  There’s a maximum amount in which you can invest, which is Rs 2 lakh.  Even though when buying digital gold, you don’t need to pay making charges, you still have to pay 3% GST with it.  There is no regulation by SBI or SEBI.  Who should buy digital gold?  Anyone who cannot buy physical gold or cannot invest large sums of money at once can choose digital gold.  You can buy digital goods without worrying about their safety. You can buy digital gold in the Edufund app too. Link for the app (URL)  You can buy digital gold from any other source too.  Digital gold can be bought and sold anytime at market price without going to a jewelry shop.  You can buy other types of digital gold, such as gold bonds or ETFs. This is the best way to invest in gold.  Indians are in the second position in terms of buying gold. More than 100 million consumers own digital gold. FAQ Is investing in digital gold worth it?  Buying and storing digital gold makes it much easier, more useful, and more secure than buying physical gold How long can I not sell my digital gold?  Five years. Is there GST on digital gold?  There is a 3% GST on digital gold.Digital gold can be a good option for those who want to start their investment journey but are not ready to invest too much. One of the best benefits of digital gold is the flexibility and convenience of buying and selling

While the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 receive the most media attention, investors should be aware that there are several stock indexes.   The Russell 2000, often regarded as the benchmark for smaller U.S. stocks, is one of the most popular indexes that does not cover significant corporations.  With that in mind, here's a quick review of what investors need to understand about the Russell 2000 Index. What is the Russell 2000 index and how does it work?  The Russell 2000 index follows the Russell 3000 stock index's 2,000 smallest public businesses by market capitalization. The Russell 1000 large-cap stock index contains the remaining 1,000 firms.   As small-cap companies, such as those in the Russell 2000, account for a substantially lower portion of the U.S. share market as compared to large caps, the Russell 2000 accounts for around 10% of the market capitalization of the entire market. The FTSE Russell Group ranks every company in the Russell 3000 based on market capitalization. It divides the top 1/3 into the Russell 1000 and the bottom 2/3 in the Russell 2000 to determine which companies make each list.   Every May, the FTSE Russell Group re-examines companies to see if their current ranking is appropriate - because corporations grow or shrink coverage, and new businesses that deserve to be in the indexes may emerge.  Eligible firms that go public via an initial public offering (IPO) and fit by market capitalization can be included in the Russell 2000 every quarter between the yearly rank day reconstitution. As a result, the Russell 2000 may occasionally monitor over 2,000 equities.  Breakup of index  Here is a look at some of the companies in the index and the sectoral breakup.  CompanyTickerAMC EntertainmentAMCAsanaASANCrocs Inc.CROXOvintiv Inc.OVVTetra Tech IncTTEKLattice SemiconductorLSCCIntella Therapeutics IncNTLAAvis Budget Group IncCARSilicon Laboratories IncSLABMacys IncM Related indices   FTSE for traders keen on tracking the performance of specific areas of the small-cap world, Russell Group divides the Russell 2000 into smaller indexes. The following are some of the additional indexes  Russell 2000 Defensive  Russell 2000 Dynamic  Russell 2000 Growth  Russell 2000 Value  Russell 2000 Growth-Defensive  Russell 2000 Growth-Dynamic  Russell 2000 Value-Defensive  Russell 2000 Value-Dynamic  The Russell 2000 Index performance  Since 2000, the Russell 2000 has outperformed the Russell 1000 (the Russell 3000's large-cap section) and the S&P 500 in terms of total yearly returns.  The Russell 2000 small-cap index follows the S&P 500 large-cap index rather closely, though there are periods when it moves more significantly on one side or the other.  Small-cap stocks are much more volatile than large-cap stocks in general. Thus, they react more significantly to market changes.  The Russell 2000 Limitations  Investors who desire to invest in small-cap stocks follow the Russell 2000. Keep in mind that the index excludes hundreds of companies that are too insignificant to be in the index.  The Russell 2000 does not include the "micro-cap" category, which represents the smallest companies on the market. They are, nevertheless, among the fastest-growing equities in the market.  Investors who rely too heavily on the Russell 2000 may be missing out on opportunities in other industries and areas. For example, the index favors financials, health care, tech, and industrials, but it has little representation of companies in the communications and materials industries.  What is the best way to invest in the Russell 2000 index fund?  You don't have to buy all 2,000 stocks in the Russell 2000 Index to invest in it. You can invest in the index through a mutual fund or an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks it passively.  The Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO), for example, invests in all of the stocks in the index based on their relative weights. The ETF's costs are low, with a 0.10 percent expense ratio, so its long-term returns should be nearly comparable to those of the index sectors.  Should you put your money in the Russell 2000 index?  The Russell 2000 index is a brilliant complement to any investment portfolio, but it isn't for everyone.  The Russell 2000 exposes investors to the greater risk and greater reward of small-cap investing without disclosure to any firm or industry because of its broad exposure.   This can provide investors with the perfect blend of a comfortable ride while allowing for the significant returns that small-cap firms may be better poised for. FAQs What is the Russell Index 2000? The Russell 2000, often regarded as the benchmark for smaller U.S. stocks, is one of the most popular indexes that does not cover significant corporations.  Which companies are in the Russell 2000? Companies in Russell 2000 are Crocs Inc. (CROX) Ovintiv Inc. (OVV) Tetra Tech Inc (TTEK) Lattice Semiconductor (LSCC) Intella Therapeutics Inc (NTLA) Avis Budget Group Inc (CAR) Silicon Laboratories Inc (SLAB) Macy's Inc (M) Is Russell 2000 a major index? Russell 2000 is one of the most watched and followed indexes in the USA. When should you invest in Russell 2000? The Russell 2000 exposes investors to the greater risk and greater reward of small-cap investing without disclosure to anyone firm or industry because of its broad exposure.   TALK TO AN EXPERT

Are you interested in investing in stocks with a range of market capitalizations? Do you wish to build your portfolio flexibly? Consider investing in Flexi-Cap Funds. It is a type of mutual fund that invests without limitations, primarily in large, mid, and small-cap companies. Fund managers optimize exposure to a specific market segment depending on the state of the market.  What are Flexi-Cap Funds? Flexi-Cap Funds make stock investments in various market capitalizations, topics, industries, and sectors. The fund must invest at least 65% of its assets in equities and securities related to equity, per SEBI regulations. Depending on the state of the market, the fund manager may choose to increase or decrease exposure to a particular market segment.  According to AMFI data, Flexi-Cap funds received the most money from equity funds in June 2022, amounting to Rs 2,511.74 crore. In addition, the Flexi-Cap Fund sector had a 31% average return for 2021. For example, Flexi-Cap Funds beat Multi-Cap Funds, ELSS, Small-Cap Funds, Mid-Cap Funds, Thematic Funds, and Thematic Sectoral Funds. Should you invest in Flexi-Cap Funds? If you have a more significant risk tolerance, consider investing in Flexi-Cap Funds. It is appropriate for individuals familiar with the market and may have a large allocation to mid-cap and small-cap firms. If this is your first time investing in the stock market, stay away from this one.  The stock market has been highly turbulent after Russia invaded Ukraine. It's because India imports over 80% of its energy needs, and global crude oil prices have also risen. Inflation in India is skyrocketing as domestic gasoline, diesel, and LPG costs increase. In the current market environment, Flexi-Cap Funds have chosen a novel strategy. For instance, the average asset allocation for Flexi-Cap fund schemes was 65% of assets allocated to large-cap stocks. Large-cap stocks have better stability and increased liquidity in a turbulent stock market; therefore, investing in them is a wise strategy. Large-cap companies are also more risk-adjusted during a market crash since they are more established and offer larger returns.  Flexi-cap funds have less risk to mid-cap and small-cap firms when the markets are unstable. It gives the portfolio more stability than mid-caps and small-cap stocks, which tend to tumble in a declining stock market. If you're looking for credible alternative investments in the present market since large-cap funds have recently underperformed, consider investing in Flexi-cap funds. Why invest in Flexi-Cap Funds? You can build a diversified portfolio with the aid of Flexi-Cap Funds for every market scenario. You are exposed to equities from various sectors, industries, and themes.  To maximize investment returns, Flexi-cap funds combine various investment strategies. For instance, the value style concentrates on inexpensive companies to maximize long-term profits, whereas the growth style concentrates on growth potential.  The Flexi-Cap funds are an option; they have outperformed peers and the benchmark index over time. Additionally, seek performers that deliver in both bull and bear markets. Whenever the stock markets are down, choosing Flexi-Cap funds, which have performed well, pays off. Examine the portfolio of the Flexi-Cap fund because some are more conservative and have a bigger risk to large-cap stocks. If your time horizon is greater than five years, only then are Flexi-Cap funds required. It's because equities funds can provide long-term gains that outpace inflation. Nevertheless, pick Flexi-Cap funds with a lower expense ratio, representing the fund management cost. Over time, it contributes to rising overall returns. In summary, Flexi-Cap funds are a wise investment in a turbulent stock market.  What is the difference between Flexi-Caps and Multi-Caps?  Fund managers for multi-cap schemes must ensure that 25% of their assets are invested in each of the three market caps, large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap. Flexi-cap funds are exempt from this restriction in all three parts.  Who should invest in Flexi-Cap funds? Long-term investors with some investing experience should consider Flexi-cap funds. It allows owners and fund managers the flexibility to make asset investments based on their perception of the market.  It might be appropriate for investors with a five to seven-year investment horizon because it might offer better returns and possibly outperform inflation. They ought to be ready for potential ups and downs in their investments, though. Flexi-cap funds taxation  Flexi-cap funds are taxed under the Income-tax Act of 1961 as equity-oriented schemes. Regardless of the slab rate, profits from a Flexi-cap scheme are taxed at a flat rate of 15% within a year. After the first exemption of Rs. 1 lakh relates to all long-term capital gains, profits over 12 months are subject to a flat 10% tax rate. Conclusion  Investors should choose a Flexi-cap program very carefully. Before investing, they must be aware of their risk appetite and tolerance. Flexi-cap plans, for instance, may be conservative. Therefore, it is up to you if you are a risk-averse person or the opposite. Flexi-cap schemes, like other schemes, are subject to various market risks, including volatility, economic decline, and geopolitical conflicts. Other than that, if there's any confusion or you need any information, our team of efficient financial advisors is always available for you. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Want to invest in India? Here are the best top 10 investment options in India available to park your money!  Every investor wants to enjoy ultra-high returns by undertaking ultra-low risk. However, this possibility is non-existent in reality. The risk-reward equation says that one has to experience more trouble to get high returns.   So, a sound risk-reward analysis must reap the highest possible benefits before choosing an investment. India is the land of possibilities. The Indian economy is growing at a great pace, with a vast population dividend to reap.   With India's ever-expanding infrastructure, high level of competitiveness with the other major global economies, and very significant economic influence, India will be a powerhouse of economic growth in the future. For you to become a part of this growth journey and increase your wealth in the meantime, we'll tell you about ten ways to invest in India.  There are two categories of investments in the broad aspect  Financial investment  Non-financial investment Financial investment includes stocks, bonds, and different bank products, whereas non-financial investment assets include gold and real estate Top 10 investment options in India 1. Equity shares Among all the investment products listed here, direct equity investment offers the highest returns in a combination of stock appreciation and dividends. Equity markets often tend to be considerably volatile in the short run but give better inflation-adjusted returns when a long-time horizon (10 years and beyond) is taken into account.  You can directly buy and sell shares of companies listed on the BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) and the NSE (National Stock Exchange). You can take different types of trades like intra-day trade (buy and sell on the same day), swing trade (buy and sell over a week or a month), and invest for the long term. You can diversify your portfolio by purchasing stocks of companies from different industries – thus, taking into account the growth in various sectors of the economy. Because of the unpredictability of the world markets and the possibility of sectoral turbulence, equity is the riskiest asset class (not considering cryptocurrency here) out there to invest in. There always remains a chance of potential capital wipe-out when the markets crash during challenging economic scenarios.   2. Equity mutual funds Equity mutual funds are packages that invest in inequities. For example, instead of purchasing individual stock from a particular industry, you can purchase a mutual fund that encapsulates the growth of that industry, these are less risky because of their diversified nature.  According to SEBI rules, an equity mutual fund invests more than 65% in equity. An equity mutual fund may either be managed actively or passively. The returns on these mutual funds also depend on the fund manager's expertise.   3. Debt mutual funds As the name suggests, debt mutual funds invest most in debt securities – these funds appeal to investors with a low-risk appetite with the request for steady returns. Debt mutual funds make investments in government bonds, corporate bonds, treasury bills, and other money market instruments.   Low risk does not mean any risk. Debt mutual funds bring along credit risks and interest rate risks that you need to study well before investing in debt mutual funds.   4. Fixed deposits (FD) A bank FD is safer than almost all investment options out in the market. With a high degree of safety come meager returns. FDs are a way to keep your money (the returns are often so low that they do not even match inflation figures), not an instrument to grow your money.   In the case of bank default, the depositors get insurance for up to Rs 5 lakh each (under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee corporation).   5. Bonds Bonds are fixed-income securities representing a loan advanced by a borrower to the investor. When governments or even listed companies want to raise money in debt, they issue bonds to the public. You can purchase these bonds in the bond market.   Bonds offer fixed interest payments to the bondholders (a variable interest payment system is also there). Prices of bonds and the rate of interest move in the opposite direction. At maturity, the entire principal has to be paid back. There are different types of bonds, like government bonds, corporate bonds, and municipality bonds.    The risk of investment in bonds also arises from potential inflation outstripping the rate of interest on the bonds. Furthermore, when you buy bonds that are not well-rated, there remains a chance of default, wherein you might lose out on what you lent out.   6. Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojna (PMVVY) This investment instrument is for senior citizens (age > 60 years). PMVVY provides a guaranteed return of 7.4% per annum. The payout offered is pension income payable either monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, or annually, with pension amounts ranging from Rs 1000 to Rs 9250.   The upper limit for the investment amount is Rs 15 lakh, with a tenure of 10 years. The senior citizen (or the nominee in case of the senior citizen's demise) receives the maturity amount.  7. National Pension Scheme (NPS) This is a retirement-oriented investment instrument managed by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). It is a mixture of equity, debt, fixed deposits, and liquid funds. You can decide the proportion of your investment according to your risk appetite. You can invest in this for as low as Rs 1000.    There exists a risk factor here as well – it comes from the underlying assets that the scheme invests in; depending upon the exposure to equity and debt (etc.), the risk is determined.   8. Public provident fund (PPF) PPF is a 15-year-long tax-free (interest) instrument. The interest on PPF accounts is reviewed by the government every quarter. A minimum of Rs 500 every month also works for a PPF account. A sovereign guarantee backs the interest earned here, and thus, PPF is a very safe investment.   9. Gold Gold is often known as a haven for investors. Gold will act as a hedge in your portfolio. Historically, gold has been a winner in times when the economy is in the doldrums. In the long run, the increasing price of gold makes it a good investment.   You can buy digital gold, sovereign gold bonds, gold ETFs, and physical gold. It is also a very liquid asset to possess.   10. Real estate Real estate investment is a humongous task for the general public. The real success of the investment depends on the type, location, and possible rental yield of the property. Also, the houses you reside in are not investments, because they do not generate positive cashflows.  The profits in real estate are generated through the price appreciation of the property and the rent that it yields. A suitable property can overhaul all negative returns in your portfolio, while a bad one can block your capital with no growth possibility. With the high investment amounts, asset illiquidity, and many regulatory approvals, real estate remains a less popular investment choice among the commoners.   Use your risk-reward analysis to choose the best option for you. FAQs How to choose the best investment options? To choose the best investment options, you need to first understand your goals, when you want to achieve them and the cost required. For example, your goal is to send your daughter to the UK to study abroad. You may have a time span of 10 years- 12 years (assuming your daughter is in school). This means you need 50-60 lakhs to fund her education and maybe more considering inflation. Once, you know your goal, you can now approach a financial advisor or explore yourself to figure out your investment options to get the amount. What types of investment options in India are suitable for an average person? There are many investment options in India that are suitable for the average Indian. They can go for Mutual funds, ETFs, Indian stocks, US stocks, Bonds, Gold, Digital Gold and much more. The investment options depend upon the short-term and long-term goals that the investor has set for themselves. Why should I check my risk tolerance before investing money? Risk tolerance refers to how much risk one is willing to take and how much money are they willing to expose. Markets are volatile by nature and are driven by multiple factors that can affect your investment. Understanding the risk involved and ensuring measures to minimize the impact allows you to check your risk tolerance. What do you mean by a diversified investment portfolio? A diversified investment portfolio gives you exposure to different investments. For example, investing in stocks, mutual funds, ETFs and US dollars can bring diversification to your portfolio. Diversification does not mean taking on different types of investments, it means seeking a balanced portfolio and exposure to different investments. It is important to consult a financial advisor for a diversified investment portfolio. Consult an expert advisor to find the right plan for you TALK TO AN EXPERT

Living expenses in Canada for Indian students are very high and aspiring applicants need to be aware of them before traveling abroad for the desired study course. Canada is the preferred study hub because of its growing economy, cultural diversity, access to seamless medical care, and unlimited job opportunities.  The country is known for its excellent education system, distinctive curriculum, numerous study courses, and reputed colleges and universities. A promising future encourages Indian students to travel to Canada for higher studies but what about the living expenses?  There has been a lot of speculation about the living cost in Canada hence let us find the answers to the queries related to the cost of essential expenses. Living expenses in Canada for Indian students The average living expenses in Canada for Indian students vary between 15,000 CAD (nearly INR 8.9 lakhs) – 20,000 CAD (nearly INR 11.9 lakhs) every year based on individual lifestyles and different cities across the country.  The essential living expenses that an Indian student has to incur include- 1. Accommodation (average monthly cost) The most popular options for accommodation are dormitories which house many students and townhouses which house three to six students. Both on-campus accommodations have several facilities like hot water, internet, and heat. Other popular choices are shared apartments and unfurnished rental apartments. The average monthly living cost of the accommodations is-  Dormitories 350 CAD – 600 CAD (nearly INR 20,958 INR 35,928)Townhouses 250 CAD – 650 CAD (nearly INR 14,970 - INR 38,922)Shared Apartments 400 CAD – 800 CAD (nearly INR 23,942 – INR 47,904)Unfurnished Rental Apartments300 CAD – 500 CAD (nearly INR 17,964 – INR 29,940) Master's vs. PGDM in Canada? Read More 2. Food (average monthly cost) It is easy to get an estimate of food expenses by going through the rates of some of the most common food items. Water (1.5 liters)1.84 CAD (nearly INR 110)Rice (1kg)3.74 CAD (nearly INR 224)Apple (1 kg) 4.24 CAD (nearly INR 254)Cheese (1kg)12.99 CAD (nearly INR 778 )Milk (1 Liter)2.46 CAD (nearly INR 147)Eggs (12)3.63 CAD (nearly INR 217) How to finance a child's master's in Canada? Read More 3. Transportation (average monthly costs) Students use public transport in Canada as it is quite safe and easy to navigate. You can get student discounts by showing your student ID card. The average monthly costs of using some of the common modes of transportation are –  Bus 100 CAD – 150 CAD (nearly INR 5,988 – INR 8,982)Subway65 CAD – 99 CAD (nearly INR 3,892 – INR 5,928)Taxis per km40 CAD -50 CAD (nearly INR 2,395 – INR 2,994) Canada University Fee Structure Read More 4. Health Insurance (average annual premium) Every international student must have a health insurance policy in Canada. The coverage depends upon the province where one lives. Some popular medical insurance plans with their costs are BC MSP Program74 CAD/month (nearly INR 4431)iMED 225 CAD for 3 months (nearly INR 13,473) 5. Miscellaneous (average monthly cost) It is important to factor in personal expenses like clothing, laundry, toiletries, etc. which are part of everyday spending and depend upon an individual’s lifestyle.  Other important expenses include Electricity (average monthly costs) – 50 CAD (nearly INR 2,994) Phone bill - (average monthly costs) – 40 CAD – 100 CAD (nearly INR 2,395 – INR 5,988) Internet (average monthly costs) – 30 CAD – 50 CAD (nearly INR 1,796 – INR 2,994) Tenant’s Insurance (average monthly costs) – 15 CAD – 30 CAD (nearly INR 898 - INR 1,796) Cost of living in some of the cities of Canada The cost of living for Indian students depends upon their lifestyle and the city they live in. Some of the popular and most costly destinations for students and the average cost of living in that city are mentioned below- City The average cost of living every yearToronto37,000 CAD (nearly INR 22 lakhs)Montreal 25,000 CAD (nearly INR 14.9 lakhs)Ottawa20,000 CAD (nearly INR 11.9 lakhs)Calgary26,904 CAD (nearly INR 16.1 lakhs)Vancouver38,484 CAD (nearly INR 23.08 lakhs) 10 Tips to save money in Canada 1. Try to save money Save money whenever you can. If you find alternatives to doing something on your own then instead of spending it, save the money.   2. Apply for scholarships Every college has scholarships. Canadian universities offer amazing scholarships to potential students, so take advantage of them.     3. Keep a budget To save money as a student, you need to keep a budget for everything. When there’s no budget maintenance, people tend to spend more. Have a fixed budget for the month and don’t spend more than it.  4. Cook your meals University campuses are filled with food stalls and fast food joints and when you are hungry, you buy them, and then your bank balance drops.  So cook for yourself.    5. Claim student bank discounts and offers All bank in Canada has offers for students. Take advantage of them. Save every penny.   6. Buy second-hand stuff if you can You might need something but you don’t need to buy everything new. You can buy them in any second-hand marketplace and you can find anything there.  So instead of buying everything new or on amazon search it in these marketplaces.  7. Don’t use credit cards Credit users tend to spend more as they think they have enough money but you spend more than they need.  So cut them off.  8. Start doing a side hustle  Start earning!   Start doing a hustle so that you can earn more. Then you don’t have to worry much about your expenses. There are too many ways to earn more.   9. Use a bicycle If you need to travel daily and it’s a short distance then buy a bicycle instead of using public transport and spending more money.  10. Lower your party days Party is okay, everyone loves to party but don’t do too much of it too. Set a monthly budget for it.   FAQs How can I earn money in Canada? Students can work up to 20 hours per week off-campus in Canada. You can take up some internships or part-time jobs or start a side hustle. International students on a student permit are legally allowed to work and earn a living in Canada to help with finances.   What is the average living cost in Canada? The average living expenses in Canada for Indian students vary between 15,000 CAD (nearly INR 8.9 lakhs) – 20,000 CAD (nearly INR 11.9 lakhs) every year based on individual lifestyles and different cities across the country.  Is living in Canada expensive? Canada is considered one of the most expensive countries to live in. The most expensive city in the country is Toronto. How much money do you need to live in Canada comfortably? As a student, you need roughly 15,000 CAD (nearly INR 8.9 lakhs) – 20,000 CAD (nearly INR 11.9 lakhs) every year. What problem an International student can face? Problems like cultural shock, new language, new people, accommodation, money management, etc. There are many student accommodation scams and foreigner scams that you need to be aware of so that you do not end up losing your hard-earned money. Conclusion Canada is no doubt an expensive country and it is challenging to manage the education and living costs simultaneously. A well-structured financial plan can be a blessing in disguise but you need an expert who can formulate such an organized plan for you.  Knowing about the living expenses in Canada for Indian students is important especially when they are preparing for overseas education. The college cost calculator on the Edufund app takes into account the future living costs so that the students can be aware of the average total cost of studying abroad and plan accordingly. 

In the previous article, we talked about the difference between IELTS and TOEFL. In this article, we will learn about the difference between IELTS and PTE. English proficiency exams like IELTS and PTE and the GRE and GMAT also form part of the requirements for university applications in English-speaking countries.   In many cases, all applicants with a non-English speaking background must submit their IELTS/PTE scores to the university to which they are applying. What is IELTS?  The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is made to let you work, study or move to a country without worrying about your English which can be the native language. This includes countries like Australia, Canada, The UK, New Zealand, and the USA.  Your capacity to listen, read, write, and talk in English could be assessed in the course of the test. IELTS is marked on a scale of 1-9. IELTS is collectively owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge English.   What is PTE?  PTE is the Pearson Test of English. It is a worldwide totally computer-based English Competency check. To get a seat down the check, candidates need to sign in online and get a seat down their check in a licensed PTE check center.   Difference between IELTS and PTE Basis of DistinctionIELTS (Academic)PTE (Academic)NameInternational English Language Testing SystemPearson Test of EnglishConducting BodyBritish Council and IDP Education LtdPearson PLC groupDuration2 hours 45 minutes145 minutes to 190 minutes to finish fullySectionsReading, writing, listening and speakingReading, writing, listening and speakingMedium of conductComputer-based and Paper-basedComputer-basedScore rangeBand 0 to 9Band 10 to 90No. of timesCandidates can take this exam 48 times a yearCandidates can take this exam for more than 360 days a yearCountry of PreferenceAll UK universities accept IELTS academic test scores as a certification of English language abilityUsually accepted by universities in the UK, Australia, and New ZealandCost (Usual)$225$150 - $210Validity of scores2 years2 years IELTS vs PTE: Deep understanding 1. Speaking   The IELTS speaking test is given face-to-face and lasts 10-15 minutes. Students must speak at length about a familiar topic and answer questions.   PTE requires you to make a personal introduction, read aloud, repeat sentences, describe the visual, retell the lecture, and answer a question.  2. Writing In IELTS writing test is to explain a graph or diagram, and the second is to write an essay on a given topic or the evaluation of an argument.  PTE, you must summarize a text in one sentence and then write an essay based on it.  3. Reading The IELTS test includes questions based on the reading of three long passages; students must answer questions in various formats such as gap fillings, short answers, and so on after reading.   The PTE exam consists of five academic passages with questions designed to assess various skills. The student must respond to inquiries by filling in the blanks, rearranging paragraphs, and answering multiple-choice questions (MCQs).  4. Listening In the IELTS listening section, students must answer questions based on four monologues that as played for them.  PTE, this section includes questions such as summarizing the spoken text, highlighting the correct summary, selecting a missing word, writing from dictation, etc. Score report: IELTS and PTE  1. Marking system Overall scoring is between 10-90 for PTE.  Overall scoring is between 0-9 for IELTS.  2. Subjects-related Communicative skills (includes reading, speaking, and writing). A score for each section for PTE.  Communicative skills (includes listening, reading, writing, and speaking). A score for each section for IELTS.  3. Overall scoring Not an average score calculation for PTE.   Average score calculation for all sections for IELTS.  4. Global Acceptance Selected universities but popular in many countries in PTE.   A lot of universities accept IELTS.   FAQs Which is much easier to crack; IELTS OR PTE?  The IELTS exam is much easier to crack than PTE because the grading process is better than PTE’s grading process.  Why PTE and IELTS are important to pass?  PTE & IELTS both exams are both important because it helps in checking if someone is fluent in English or not for attending college abroad.  What’s a good score to obtain for PTE exams?  On average around 75-85.  Are 12th/10th marks important for giving any of these exams?  No, your 12th/10th doesn’t matter for giving these exams. Also, there are no minimum marks given to give these exams.  What happens if I pass IELTS?  If you can pass IELTS then it opens different choices of career opportunities in English as a native language.   Looking for more information? Talk to a professional! Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Along with the GRE and GMAT exams, English proficiency exams like IELTS and TOEFL are essential for university applications to English-speaking countries.   Usually, all applicants having non-English speaking backgrounds have to report their IELTS/TOEFL scores to the university they apply to.   Difference between IELTS and TOEFL IELTS and TOEFL test format Difference between the exams of IELTS and TOEFL 1. IELTS and TOEFL: Writing section In IELTS, students have to answer two writing questions First question requires students to examine and explain a picture or a chart. Second question, the student has to write 200-250 words on a given argument.   For the TOEFL, First question’s answer is a 5-paragraph essay. In the second question, the students have to write notes (150-225 words) from a given text.  2. IELTS and TOEFL: Speaking section The IELTS test is conducted face to face, for 10 - 15 minutes students need to talk at length about a familiar topic and answer questions.   In TOEFL, the duration of the section is 20 minutes the speaking assessment is recorded through a microphone, then sent to the examiners.  3. IELTS and TOEFL: Reading section IELTS test includes three questions in this section, and the students have to answer questions in different formats like gap fillings, short answers, etc., after reading three long passages.   For TOEFL, the reading consists of 36-56 tasks based on reading academic texts and answering them through your lens of understanding.  4. IELTS and TOEFL: Listening section In the listening section of IELTS, students will have to answer questions based on four monologues that will be played for them, whereas the TOEFL test will be on classroom lectures and applicants taking notes while listening to the audio.   Students have to solve MCQs in a given duration of 40-60 minutes in the TOEFL listening component. Source: pexels.com What are the main differences between IELTS and TOEFL? Category IELTS TOEFL Mode of Conducting Computer-based exam Paper-based exam Computer-based  Time duration 2 hours, 45 mins 4 hours Types of Questions Variety of questions MCQs in reading and listening Score chart  Scores are from 0-9 Scores are from 0-120 Accepted by UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, etc USA universities  Which universities accept IELTS vs TOEFL?  IELTS exam score is accepted by around 9000 institutions and a lot of countries like the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.  TOEFL exam scores are accepted in more than 10,000 institutions and a lot of countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Germany.  Score Comparison IELTSTOEFL9118 - 1208.5    115 - 117 8110 - 114794 -1016.579 - 93 5.546 - 595 35 - 45 4.5  32 - 340 - 40-31 Major factors to consider  Check if the universities you want to go to accept IELTS or TOEFL because if don’t then nothing else matters.  TOEFL is preferred in most American universities whereas IELTS is accepted in universities in other countries.  If your university accepts both tests then pick one which is more suitable for you as both tests are different. Such as TOEFL has MCQs while IELTS has varieties of questions.   TOEFL is a computer-based test while IELTS is a pen-paper test so if you prefer a computer because you can type faster or your handwriting is not that good then you can go for TOEFL.  The cost is different for both of the tests but depends on the exam location.  Which exam should you take?  The above question depends on the country and the institute you want to study in. Some universities accept either of these tests with individual score requirements.   However, we recommend you think closely about the question types and formats that suit you and then decide. After the university’s requirements, it boils down to your needs. FAQs What’s the full form of TOEFL?  Test of English as a foreign language.  How many times can I give IELTS?  As many times as you like to.  Is 7 a good score for IELTS?  If you have scored 7, then 7 is definitely a good score.  Is TOEFL easier to pass?  In comparison to other tests, TOEFL is considered easier to pass. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

So what do you do if you are enrolled in a medical degree in India and want to study abroad after MBBS? Or if you want to practice law in the United States? The GRE is a broad general-purpose aptitude test that is accepted by a wide range of postgraduate programs. However, if you want to study abroad for a professional degree like medicine or law, you will have to take specific aptitude tests for those disciplines.  MCAT vs LSAT MCAT The Medical College Admission Test is conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges. It is a standardized computer-based test for admission into medical programs that test the aptitude of students who have already completed basic pre-medical training at the university level. 1. Eligibility In order to be eligible for the MCAT, you have to be planning to apply to medical school and not currently be enrolled in any professional health courses. These include MD programs, DO programs, and Podiatry or Veterinary medicine programs. For Indian students looking to study abroad, if you are enrolled in or have graduated with an MBBS degree, you are eligible to sit for an MCAT. If you don’t fulfill the above criteria, you may have to take special permission before sitting for the MCAT. 2. Format Unlike the GRE and GMAT, the MCAT is not computer-adaptive. This means, the questions are standardized and do not get automatically adjusted to the difficulty level as you answer. The MCAT has four sections: chemical and physical foundations of biological systems, critical analysis and reasoning skills, biological and biochemical foundations of living systems, and psychological social, and biological foundations of behaviors. The exam tests students' broad and specific knowledge of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology as well as critical reasoning, research methodology, and scientific reasoning and inquiry.  The entire test is around 7 and a half hours long, including optional breaks: a 10-minute break after each section and a 30-minute mid-exam break after the first two sections. Each section is 95 minutes long, except the critical reasoning section which is 90 minutes long. There are also a few ‘void’ questions that are not scored but are used for experimental or research purposes. Additionally, there is an end-of-the-exam survey which is optional.  3. Scoring The MCAT is scored on a scaled and equated scale of 118-132 with 125 being the median. Your raw scores will not be revealed on test day or mentioned on your score report. Candidates also receive a percentile score. 4. Validity MCAT scores are accepted and required by all US medical schools and all Canadian medical schools. The scores are valid for three years from the date of taking the exam. 5. Registration and Fees You can register for the MCAT through their website and book an appropriate test date and center according to the MCAT schedule.  If you register for the test at least 29 days before the date, you will be charged $320. This number is for Indian nationals looking to study abroad after MBBS. MCAT Syllabus About physics, chemistry, and biology,  Social demographics,  About behavioral science,  Critical reasoning,  Problem-solving knowledge in the medical sciences  Prevalent lifestyle trends,  The role of a physician  How do I prepare for the MCAT?  Try to understand what’s MCAT: Learn about the MCAT exam. It has MCQs, and it is a computer-based exam. This exam is for the medical school selection process.  Think before selecting your undergraduate course:   Don’t overload yourself with too many science subjects. The MCAT itself has too many subjects to learn. Learn about humanities, accounting, and literature, which are going to help you in your MCAT preparations.  Start your preparations as early as you can:   If you start early, you will have plenty of time to prepare for the exam. At least keep three months on your hand.  Make a study schedule that suits you:  Prepare a timetable so that you can work accordingly.  Take mock tests yourself:   After completing your preparations, take mock tests to prepare yourself more.  LSAT The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) for admissions to Juris Doctor (JD) and LLM programs in the USA, Canada, and some Australian universities. The LSAC also conducts LSAT India which is for admission to LLM programs in certain law schools in India. 1. Eligibility There are no specific criteria for taking the LSAT as determined by the LSAC. Legal degree-granting programs and law schools that accept the LSAT may have specific criteria. However, most US law schools require an undergraduate degree in any discipline as a prerequisite for admissions. Law schools in the US generally don’t prevent international students from applying to legal programs in the US. However, it is always a good idea to check the eligibility requirements of the program you are applying to before registering for the LSAT. 2. Format The LSAT consists of five sections: logical reasoning, reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, writing sample, and an unscored experimental section that is indistinguishable from the rest. The logical reasoning section asks students to analyze logical arguments to identify assumptions, alternate conclusions, errors, or logical omissions. The reading comprehension section involves reading a particular passage and analyzing it to interpret meaning, draw inferences, determine the structure of the passage, etc. It also often includes a comparative reading question that involves reading, analyzing, and comparing two passages. Analytical reasoning tests a candidate through 'logic game' based questions that test the candidate's ability to analyze a range of possibilities within a given set of rules. The writing sample involves writing an argumentative essay based on a given writing prompt. The unscored section consists of questions being used by the LSAC for experimental purposes and is not counted toward the final score. However, it is indistinguishable from regular, scored sections. Any of the sections can be used for the experimental section The LSAT is 3 hours long excluding an optional 15-minute break that is offered in between. Each individual section is 35 minutes long. In light of COVID, the LSAC now offers the LSAT-Flex and LSAT-Writing. The LSAT-Flex is a 2-hour long, remote-proctored, at-home, computer-based test. This includes the logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and analytical reasoning sections. The writing sample will need to be submitted by taking a separate remote proctored, at-home test, the LSAT-Writing. This is a 35-minute long test taken at a later date. 3. Scoring The LSAT is a scaled, standardized test like the MCAT. Scores are distributed on a scale of 120-180. They also receive a percentile score. 4. Validity LSAT scores are recognized and required by law schools across the USA, Canada, and some Australian universities. The scores are valid for 5 years following the date of taking the test. 5. Registration & Fees Indian students looking to study abroad for legal studies can register for the LSAT through the LSAC website. You will be required to use your passport as an ID document for registration.  The basic fees for LSAT are $200 plus an additional fee of $195 and $45 for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), and Law School Report respectively. The Law School Report is a streamlined compilation of all your law school application documents like scorecards, transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc. The CAS is a centralized service used by law schools to access the Law School Report. Extra charges may be levied for test date changes, score previews, etc. FAQs How hard is the LSAT exam? It’s generally hard, but if you have done your preparations nicely, then you can pass it.  I study for just one month and clear the MCAT exam? Studying just for 1 month is risky, but if you’re already good at science or the humanities, then you may clear the exam.  Is studying for 3 hours a day enough for the MCAT?  You can study 3-6 hours a day or whatever suits you for MCAT. What is the lowest mark accepted in the MCAT exam?  If you score as low as 508, then you might get accepted.  Is it possible to study for the MCAT exam on my own?  Yes, you can study on your own if you think you can do it efficiently.  Conclusion A professional degree is a great option for those who have specific goals that they want to commit to. While degrees like law and medicine are very intensive, sometimes expensive and require a lot of hard work, they are equally rewarding. If you are willing to put in the time and effort required for these degrees and entrances, you can look forward to a bright future! Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT