Gap Certificate: Format, Samples, & Documents

A gap certificate is a self-declared document printed on non-judicial stamp paper that supports abrupt short-term or long-term pauses during an academic degree also known as a gap affidavit. For various reasons, a gap certificate is required for students taking a break from their regular education.

It contains all the pertinent information for concerned academic authorities on the cause of a student's gap. The certificate also serves as a legal document, certifying that the student was not involved in any illegal activity during the gap time. Gap certificates, which are issued in addition to provisional credentials, assist students in gaining admission to colleges in other countries.

A candidate must submit some essential documents as proof of eligibility for a gap certificate. A copy of all these documents, mentioned below, and the gap certificate form are mandatory.

• ID Proof (Aadhar card/Driving license/Voter ID/PAN Card)

• School/College departing certificate

• Authentication declaration (A letter from the last educational institute)

• Residential address proof

• Citizenship proof (to clarify whether you are from the same country or an international student.)

• Marksheet of the previous qualifying exam

• The reason behind the Gap

Below are the details that are necessary for the Gap Certificate:

• Name of the candidate

• Age

• Residential address

• Most recent educational qualification

• Institute Name (from where you have received education)

• Date from which candidate has taken a gap or overall gap durations

• Reason for taking the gap

• Name of the college/university where the candidate wants to take admission

• Date of application

• Signature of candidate

• Signature of advocate

Also, Read: Statement of Purpose (SOP)

There are a few items and paper that one needs to create a gap certificate:

1. Draft (content of a certificate)

2. Non-judicial stamp paper and supporting document.

3. Printer

Step-by-step process for preparing Certificate

Below is the process for preparing the certificate:

Step 1. Write the affidavit first for the certificate.

Step 2. Buy non-judicial e-stamp paper from the local court, cooperative bank, or registration office. The stamp's value varies.

Step 3. Print the affidavit of the certificate on the non-judicial e-stamp.

Step 4. Collect all the supporting documents as mentioned above for the gap year certificate.

Step 5. Take a printout of the affidavit, and look for the nearest Nortary public office.

Step 6. Sign the affidavit in the presence of the authorised authority.

Step 7. Then, the authorised authority will review and verify the accuracy of the supporting document.

Here is a sample of the content for the affidavit:

Gap Certificate Affidavit

(on stamp paper of INR)

I, __________ (Full name)________, S/o or D/o________(Father/Mother/Guardian’s Name)______residing at______(Residential Address) do hereby solemnly declare as under:

1. I am a resident of the address mentioned above.

2. I have successfully passed_______(degree/qualification passed)______in_____-(month and a year of passing)_______from_____(name of school/college/university/institution attended)________.

3. I have not joined/attended any other school/college/university/institution since passing out due to ______(reason for gap).

OR

I was working as an employee of____(company name) under the designation of_______(position/designation in the company).

4. That the duration of the gap period is from_______to________.

5. During this gap period, I was neither involved in nor assigned any activity barred under the law.

6. No criminal case is pending against me in any court of law.

Signature of Student

Verification:

The statements above are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Further, material information has yet to be concealed. If the facts are not actual at any time in the future, then I take full responsibility for cancelling my admission.

Signature of Student

Date:

Place:

Students who have taken a break from regular education require a gap year certificate. When these students want to continue their education, they submit this certificate and the application form for admission to their next educational institute. Here are some of the uses of this certificate:

1. It can be utilised to acquire a job after a lengthy period of unemployment.

2. A gap certificate can be used to get admission to universities overseas.

3. It can serve as verification of the cause of the gap.

4. It explains why you did not complete your schooling.

5. It aids in filling in the gaps between academic experiences.

6. It can be utilised to further one's studies at the same or a different university.

7. It allows the student to take a vacation from academic stress without worry.

Gap certificates have various advantages, a few of which are given below:

• It creates a good impression on recruiters while applying to foreign universities.

• Structure your academic break.

• It helps to reduce the stress of not being able to complete studies.

• Gap certificates help students complete their studies after a gap in their own country as well as in universities abroad.

• It is helpful in employment interviews.

• It clarifies the loss of education.

• It helps students in crisis management.

Several reasons may result in a student taking a gap from their studies. These gaps may range from one to more years. The cause of a break can also vary. Some of the common reasons for a gap year in education have been mentioned below:

1. Personal considerations.

2. Health concerns.

3. To work and support the family's financial situation.

4. To prepare for any competitive examinations.

5. To pursue a passion or a pastime.

6. To retake an exam and earn higher grades.

7. To establish their own company.

8. To apply abroad.

Also, Read: Experience Letter 

You can apply for a gap certificate online using the available format. After filling out all the details, get the stamp from a lawyer or a notary, which will cost you INR 70 to INR 150. Furthermore, you can visit the school or university's official website to get it online. 

A student can get a gap year certificate from the school or college principal by applying for it or writing out an affidavit that should be self-attested. Below is the format given on how to write an application:

The Principal

ABC School

City - Pin Code

Respectfully, Sir/Ma’am,

Subject: Gap Year Certificate Issuance

I request you that I want to issue my gap year certificate, which is required for my further and ongoing studies. I took a gap form post-intermediate/graduation to prepare for_______. However, I am now pursuing my studies and applying for my bachelor’s/master’s degree.

Please provide me with my document for that I will be highly obliged to you.

Thanking You,

Yours Truly,

XYZ

Please find the attachment below for reference:

1. Birth Certificate

2. Marksheet

3. Gap year proof

Gap Certificate for College Admission

If you have taken a gap between the 12th and entrance year of your bachelor's degree or between your bachelor's and master's degrees, you must provide a gap certificate. It helps to identify the cause of the gap quickly. Some of the factors are given below:

• Financial issues

• Competitive test preparation

• Applying for abroad courses

• Health issues

• Other career-related things.

To acquire a gap certificate, the following documents are needed:

• Proof of the reason for the gap

• The most recent mark sheet

• Identity verification

Gap Certificate Scholarships

The certificate confirms that the candidate did not enrol in other institutions in the same country or abroad during their gap year. Some universities/colleges may also require a gap affidavit to verify whether the student received a scholarship or took a break from studies before admission. Here is a list of documents that are needed:

• Residential address proof

• Identification (PAN/Aadhar Card/passport)

• Reason of proof for gap

• Recent mark sheet

Also, Read: Letter of Recommendation

Even if one takes a gap year, most institutions will accept the character certificate they obtained from their school. Some colleges, however, may have reservations about this. In this instance, the applicant can apply for a fresh character certificate from their last school. The application should describe the circumstances, explain the gap, and seek a new character certificate.

To sum up, a gap certificate is one of the most important documents necessary when students enrol in colleges after a one-year or longer break. Providing a gap certificate can help students get admission and continue their education following an interruption in their academic years. When writing their gap affidavits, students must adhere to a specified structure. Depending on the university the format may differ depending on your reasons. You must provide proof to back up your decision to take a break.

We hope the above information regarding the Gap certificate: format, samples, & documents is helpful to you. If you would like to gain a deeper insight into this, we encourage you to speak with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study abroad. Get help with the application process, SOPs, and filing for a visa. Visit us for one-to-one counselling or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.

 1. What is the definition of a Gap Certificate?

It is an official document showing you have taken a break from your education. It is a declaration made by you or given on non-judicial stamp paper with other essential details, such as the duration of your gap and the reason.

2. What documents do I need to apply for the gap certificate?

To apply for the gap certificate, you must submit the following documents: birth certificate, identity verification, transfer certificate, certificate of previous degree acquisition, and recent marksheet.

3. What is the benefit of a gap certificate?

Gap certificates have various advantages, a few of which are given below: they create a good impression on recruiters, Structure your academic break, help to reduce the stress of not being able to complete studies, help students complete their studies after a gap, are helpful in employment interviews, Clarify the loss of education, and help students in crisis management.

4. What are the reasons for asking for a gap certificate?

Health concerns, Personal considerations, To execute the work while supporting the family’s financial situation, Preparing for any competitive examinations, Pursuing a passion or a pastime, Retaking an exam and earning higher grades, Establishing their own company, and applying abroad.

5. How can I get a gap certificate?

A gap certificate affidavit is a declaration made on non-judicial stamp paper quoting why the student took the gap year and was not admitted into any other course or university during that period. The stamp paper can be bought from notaries, courts and sub-registrar offices.

6. Can a student use a gap certificate to apply in other countries?

A student can use a gap certificate to explain the reason for gaps in other countries.

7. What are the eligibility criteria for applying for a gap certificate?

Students who passed their 12th exams can apply for a gap certificate.

8. What is the need for a gap certificate?

A gap certificate is needed because it describes the circumstances and explains the reason for a gap.

9. Is it essential to provide a gap certificate after a gap?

Yes, it is one of the most important documents necessary when students enrol in colleges after a one-year or longer break.

10. Can I apply for a gap certificate online?

Yes, you can make a gap certificate online using the available format. Furthermore, you can visit the school or university's official website to get it online.