GAP Certificate: Format, Affidavit, After 12th, for College Admission

A Gap certificate, also referred to as a gap affidavit, is a crucial document for a student who has a gap in his / her studies due to various reasons such as preparation of entrance exams, health issues, economic conditions, work experience, or others. This certificate is essential while applying for higher studies after a gap, during visa application, etc. Students need to note that they have to choose the correct format while applying for a Gap certificate in order to avoid delays.

This blog will assist students in understanding all the factors related to a Gap certificate such as its requirement, format, application process, benefits, and more.

What is a GAP Certificate and When is it Required?

A gap certificate is an official document that explains the reason and duration of gap in higher studies. This document is often required when a student applies for higher education, respective entrance exams, jobs, or a visa. It can be a legal document which allows concerned authorities to decide whether the gap is justified or not.

A gap certificate is issued if a student has taken a break for the below listed reasons:

• Health Issues
• Preparation for Competitive Exams
• Financial Crisis
• Pandemic
• Work Experience
• Study Abroad
• Personal Reasons

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Format of GAP Affidavit

In general, a gap certificate does not have a standard format as it varies on the basis of a requirement of an Institution and other factors. However, following common details must be covered in the gap affidavit:

• Personal Information
  • Name
  • Age
  • Contact Details
  • Permanent Address
• Education
  • Most recent qualification & concerning School / Institution
• Duration of Gap
  • Start date / year
  • End date / year
• Reason for the Gap
• Name of Desired College / Institute/ University
• Application Date
• Candidate’s Signature
• Advocate’s Signature

GAP Certificate Format for College Admission

Students who have a gap between class 12^th and bachelors or between Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree qualifications need a gap affidavit, owing to justification of a break. In order to get an idea of the ideal format, students can download a ‘Gap certificate after 12^th PDF’.

Below-given is the common format of Gap certificate for College admission after 12^th:

GAP Certificate for NEET

Candidates who aspire to become a doctor or want to make a career in the medical field often drop out after 12^th in order to prepare for the NEET exam.

In order to justify the break of the specific duration, the aspirants are required to submit the Gap certificate to the concerned authorities of the desired medical institution. This makes the counseling and the admission process hassle-free. The candidates can understand the format of the affidavit by downloading the ‘NEET gap certificate PDF’.

Following is the common format of the Gap certificate for NEET:

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How to Apply for a GAP Certificate?

Students who want to pursue higher education after a purposeful break can apply for a Gap certificate affidavit by following a step-by-step process given below:

• Step 1: Buy a non-judicial e-stamp paper from sub-registrar office, notary, or court.
• Step 2: Create an affidavit application in MS Word document with the help of gap certificate format PDF.
• Step 3: Print the affidavit over e-stamp paper.
• Step 4: Attach the xerox of all the required documents.
• Step 5: Get the certificate notarised from the nearest notary public or advocate.
• Step 6: This is an optional step but those who want to can get the Gap affidavit legalised from any lower court.

Documents Required to Apply for a GAP Certificate

While applying for Gap certificate, xerox of the below-mentioned documents are required:

• ID Proof (Aadhaar Card / PAN Card / Voter ID / Driving Licence)
• Proof of Residence
• Proof of Citizenship
• Marksheet of Last Qualifying Exam
• Transfer Certificate
• Authentic Declaration from Previous School / College
• Applicable document justifying the Gap or Break (Medical Certificate, Internship / Work experience proof, etc).

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What to Avoid While Submitting a GAP Certificate?

Below mentioned are a few common mistakes that students need to avoid while submitting the gap certificate:

• Incorrect format: Candidates need to follow the correct gap certificate format while submitting the affidavit; incorrect format can cause delays in approval of the affidavit.
• Improper Documentation: While submitting the gap certificate, students must attach all the necessary documents. Any missing documents can result in cancellation of the affidavit.
• False Information: Students must avoid providing false / wrong information in a gap certificate form, as all the details are cross checked by the concerned officials.
• Inappropriate Justification of Gap: In order to ensure that gap certificate is approved, students must provide clear and rational justification for the gap. Not having a valid reason may lead to not getting the approval on time.
• Missing Notarisation: If a gap certificate is not notarised, then it is not considered legal and will not be accepted by the authorities. Hence, students must get the document signed by an advocate or notary officer.

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Benefits of GAP Affidavit

Some of the benefits of acquiring a Gap certificate are discussed below:

• Simplified Process: The primary advantage of acquiring a gap document is that the student has a legal document / explanation of the breaks taken in between the educational qualifications. Furthermore, it simplifies the application and admission process.
• Transparency & Credibility: With the help of a gap year certificate, students can maintain the transparency by justifying the reason for the gap taken which increases the credibility.
• Prevention of Future Discomfort: A gap certificate prevents students from future discomforts during background check as it is legal justification for the break.
• Support the Application of a Visa: Gap certificate is one of the most crucial & required documents while applying for a student visa if an individual has taken a break between studies.
• Increased Admission Opportunities: A gap certificate is an essential document required while applying in International Institutions. Therefore, acquiring an affidavit after a gap opens more admission opportunities for students.

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Conclusion

Students sometimes need to take an academic break after class 12^th  for various reasons such as for the preparation of competitive exams, financial problems, health issues and so on. In order to resume their studies after this break and justify the reason, they are required to submit the gap certificate. Moreover, the certificate allows them to maintain transparency while avoiding future discomforts.

Students need to ensure that they present their affidavit application in a correct format and attach the requisite documents. Afterall, the gap certificate will be accepted by the authorities only if it is notarised and presented with appropriate justification of the gap.

Also Read: How to Study for Long Hours Without Getting Distracted

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Common Queries Regarding GAP Certificate

Following are the most frequently asked questions regarding the Gap Certificate:

Q.1 What is a Gap certificate?

A gap certificate is a legal document that justifies the reason and duration of a gap between studies.

Q.2 Is it possible to make a Gap certificate online?

A gap certificate cannot be made online, as it needs to be legalised by an advocate or a notary.

Q.3 Can students get a gap certificate in a language other than English?

Yes, students can get a gap affidavit in English or other languages. However, the language depends on the requirements of a particular Institute / College / University.

Q.4 What is the eligibility in order to apply for a gap affidavit?

Students who have passed 12^th grade are eligible to apply for a gap certificate.

Q.5 When is a gap certificate required?

A gap certificate is required when a student takes a break from studies for various reasons including medical issues, preparation of competitive exams like NEET & so on and wants to pursue higher education / apply for a student visa, etc.

Q.6 Who has authority to sign the gap certificate?

A notary officer or a lawyer has the authority to sign the gap certificate.

Q.7 How much does a gap certificate cost?

In India, it costs around Rs. 100/- to Rs. 500/- to get a gap certificate, depending upon the stamp paper, notary fees, etc.