GAP Certificate After 12th: Full Form, Meaning & Format

Took a break after 12th class to prepare for any entrance exams? Or had a gap while studying in college due to some medical reason or family emergency? Then, you might require a gap certificate now if you are planning to study abroad. What is a GAP certificate? A GAP certificate is an official document to continue higher studies abroad, it is also called a GAP year certificate or GAP Affidavit. It is a self-declaration certificate or non-judicial stamp paper that provides accurate clarifications of the length and reason for the gap. It helps in maintaining transparency when applying for further education, jobs, or visas after a period of non-enrolment or unemployment. Several top universities in the world like Harvard, University of Toronto, Australian National University (ANU) require students to give valid reasons for taking a gap. Let us discuss everything about a GAP certificate- what is it, who issues it, how to get it, etc.

This Story also Contains

1. Why is a gap certificate important?
2. Who needs a GAP certificate?
3. Who issues a GAP certificate?
4. How the legal authorities verify the GAP certificate?
5. GAP Certificate Format
6. What are the Uses of GAP Certificate?
7. GAP Certificate After 12th or GAP Certificate for College Admissions
8. Does a GAP Certificate Impact University Admissions?
9. When Do Employers Ask for It?
10. For Visa & Immigration Purposes
11. GAP Certificate Requirements
12. Is a GAP Certificate Necessary?
13. Benefits of GAP Certificate
14. How to Apply for a GAP Certificate?
15. Important considerations before submitting a gap certificate

Read more: GAP Certificate Format

Why is a gap certificate important?

Indian students taking a break from their studies for many personal reasons such as medical or family issues must obtain a GAP certificate to study abroad. If you are applying to universities in foreign countries, your GAP certificate can help the university understand valid explanations of the gaps in your education.

GAP certificate typically involves the details of academic transcripts, achievements, work background, travelling and charity work with reasons for gap duration. The certificate can improve your chances of getting admission to desired universities. A GAP certificate (GAP year certificate or GAP Affidavit) explains your short or long breaks during higher education. While you are in the gap, the official document confirms your proper explanations that you are not to engaged in illegal activities and relevant details of previous education and activities. This certificate can help students get into foreign universities successfully.

The GAP Certificate is available from any notary, sub-registrar office or court. You can contact lawyers or notary desks in your area to prepare a GAP affidavit with your signature.

Also Read:

• New Visa Rules for international Students
• Student Visa Latest News and Updates

Is a Gap Certificate mandatory for all courses/institutions?

A GAP certificate is not mandatory for all the courses or colleges, but students require it mostly when there is a break of one or more years. It is majorly asked by universities for competitive admissions or studying abroad to get a fair idea of the academic timeline of a student. Hence, it is important to check with the specific requirements of the university before applying.

Does a Gap Certificate expire?

No, there is no expiry date of a GAP certificate, however, some universities might ask the candidates to submit a recently issued certificate (within 6 months) for their specific admission cycle. Hence, it is always helpful to go through the latest admission requirements of the college you are planning to apply to.

What if I have multiple gaps in my education?

In case you have more than one gaps, you need to give a clear information of the specific dates, and substantiate them with valid reasons in a single GAP certificate. Make it a point to explain each of the periods clearly and ensure that there are no discrepancy i the reasons mentioned.

Who needs a GAP certificate?

Students applying to foreign universities, or job opportunities abroad, or applying for student visas require to submit a GAP certificate, in case there is a gap in their education. It is important to let the authorities know that you have taken a gap due to valid reasons and not due to academic failure or disciplinary issues.

A GAP certificate is utilised for a person who took a gap from their education, career and related reasons.

• For students preparing to restart their studies after taking a gap.

• For personal circumstances, if taking a gap from work, provide a GAP certificate to clarify your statement.

• A GAP certificate may enhance the visa application, to confirm your previous background.

• For advanced degrees, the certificate to analyse your educational background.

• In a few scholarships, the GAP certificate shows that the candidate has done something productive or enhanced his skills during the gap year and has not wasted that time.

Who issues a GAP certificate?

Generally, a notary or legal authority issues the GAP certificate after signing an affidavit. However, some visa offices also ask students to get it attested by a Gazetted Officer or local education board as well.

How the legal authorities verify the GAP certificate?

The universities abroad verify it through admission offices during application processing. The employers cross check it with the previous work records of the candidate. However, the visa authorities ask for notarized copies or work visa approvals.

GAP Certificate Format

Here's the GAP certificate format for getting admission in a MBBS course.

What are the Uses of GAP Certificate?

GAP Certificate After 12th or GAP Certificate for College Admissions

When a student takes a gap for one or more years, and want to apply to any foreign university after the break, they need to submit a GAP affidavit to provide valid reasons for the break. In this, they need to declare that they were not enrolled in any of the educational institution during the gap and give a valid reason for the break. A lawyer, notary, or any other legal authority can issue this certificate. The cost of a stamp paper for this certificate may range from 100-500 INR. The certificate should include key details about the gap year.

Does a GAP Certificate Impact University Admissions?

If candidates provide a well-explained gap due to internships, research work, or engaging in upskilling themselves, it adds value to the application and enhances the chances for selection. On the contrary, if the gap is vague or unexplained, it can result in delays or even rejection.

Sample GAP Statement Examples for University Admissions

When Do Employers Ask for It?

Countries with competitive job markets like US, Canada, Australia might require candidates to provide valid reasons for unexplained break in their employment history.

Sample GAP Statement Examples for Employment Break

For Visa & Immigration Purposes

Some countries require a gap certificate for visa approval, especially in the cases where candidates have break in their education or work history.

Which countries require a GAP certificate?

Sample GAP Statement Examples for visa applications

Common Reasons Students Why Require Gap in Education

Following are some of the most common reasons why students take a gap in education:

• Exam preparation
• Financial challenges
• Health concerns
• Internships or work experience
• Travel
• Personal growth
• Family emergencies

GAP Certificate Requirements

The applicant must provide essential documents to apply for a GAP certificate. To be eligible, you must complete the application form with a copy of the original documents. Here are the GAP certificate requirements are given:

• Evidence of your identification that includes PAN Card, Voter ID, Aadhar Card or Driving License.

• Proof of your high school or university leaving documentation, to confirm the reason for your discontinued studies.

• To verify your citizenship, provide a copy of your national identification card, passport or birth certificate.

• Offer your recent mark sheets or related documents from accredited universities.

• Copy of your residential address proof.

• You must provide documents that prove the reasons for your gap.

Is a GAP Certificate Necessary?

A GAP Certificate is important in some circumstances, but not mandatory. Individuals who have taken a gap from their studies or careers and are planning to pursue education or work must provide GAP certification. For some processes, the GAP Certificate is necessary namely,

Benefits of GAP Certificate

• To study in foreign countries, you must provide a GAP certificate if you paused your studies.

• To ensure your career history, companies or organisations may ask for the GAP certificate to identify any break in your profession.

• A GAP certificate may be required for certain scholarships, to analyse your prior experience.

• For student visa applications, the GAP certificate provides the information that you did something productive during the gap year.

How to Apply for a GAP Certificate?

If you are applying for a GAP certificate, follow these steps to complete the application process of GAP Certificate:

• Step 1: Use a word processor to write your affidavit.

• Step 2: A non-judicial e-stamp paper can be bought from a local court, register office or cooperative bank.

• Step 3: Make a copy of the data you created onto the e-stamp paper.

• Step 4: Prepare all the required documents for the GAP certificate.

• Step 5: For affidavit attestation, provide the taken copy to the nearest authority (Notary Public).

• Step 6: In front of officials, sign the affidavit. They analyse your documents to confirm accuracy.

• Step 7: Once approved your GAP certificate within 2 to 3 days.

Documents Required for a GAP Certificate

The documents required for the GAP certificate include:

1. National identity proof

2. All Academic transcripts

3. Residential address evidence

4. Citizenship proof

5. Letter from previous university or institution

6. Related document's reason for the gaps

Important considerations before submitting a gap certificate

These are some crucial points you must consider before submitting the GAP certificate.

• Be honest: Always provide accurate and truthful information about the reasons for gap.
• Notarise the gap certificate: Don't forget to get your gap certificate properly notarised or attested by a legal authority to get it accepted.
• Check for the specific requirements: Go through the specific requirements of the university you are applying to and follow the guidelines.
• Validity: While there's no fixed expiry date, most of the educational institutions require a recent gap certificate (within 6-12 months).