Am I a 2011 or 2012 Graduate? Seeking Clarity on Education Gap and Campus Drive Eligibility

Hi seniors, I finished my UG in engineering in 2012. The thing is, actually, I joined the B.E. course in 2007, but during my 6th-semester examination (May 2010), I met a terrible accident before the examination date. Both my legs were broken, and I was unable to attend the 6th exams.

During my 7th and 8th semesters (final year), I did not attend most of the classes (nearly 70% of lectures). My college management allowed me to write the examination by adjusting the attendance (I provided a valid medical certificate). I wrote a few exams, but for others, I was not able to write due to my illness (I know I should not give reasons, but I was genuinely unable to write).

I took an extra 2 semesters to fulfill my degree, meaning I should have completed it in April 2011, but I finished in April 2012 with a first-class degree (thankfully with 75%). I have received my provisional and degree certificates stating "passing year: April 2012 with 1st class."

Pass Out Year Clarification

My question is, am I a 2011 pass out or a 2012 pass out? Many of my friends and colleagues say I am a "2012 pass out," and a few say the opposite. Please clarify.

Campus Drive Eligibility

Another question is, if I am a 2012 pass out, can I attend the 2012/2013 pass out campus drive? Can I also use this as a valid reason for my educational gap (I have the doctor's and fitness certificates)? Please clarify.

Thanks & Regards,
Karthik Raj

Please find the answers to your query below:

Pass Out Year Clarification

Since you finally cleared all your semesters in 2012, you're a 2012 pass out. However, it should not matter as long as the genuine cause of the gap is known.

Eligibility for Campus Drive

Regarding the 2012/13 passed out campus drive: I fail to understand from your post if it is the academic year 2012-13 pass out or '2012 and 2013' pass outs. In the former case, you cannot, as the drive is for 2013 pass outs - your juniors. In the latter case, sure you can, as you're a 2012 pass out.

Explaining Educational Gap

If you are asking whether you can give this as a reason for the educational gap, then YES. Always remember, whatever you're asked, answer truthfully. Don't lie. It may or may not be caught at the moment, but it will cause significant issues if revealed in the future.

Explain why there was a gap. Show your medical certificates from that period or bills that emphasize the fact you're claiming is true. Additionally, have a medical certificate from your doctor stating if you're fit to work. This will have a real impact.

Refer to the following links for further reference on the same or similar issues:

- https://www.citehr.com/329066-gap-my-education.html
- https://www.citehr.com/431622-why-ed...bad-india.html

And always remember, nothing wins like the truth. All the best. Hope it helped. :)

As Ankita has mentioned, you are a 2012 pass out. I think you should have been clear about this since you are an engineering graduate, and this piece of information is very basic. Anyhow, I understand that sometimes we do get confused. You will have to try for off-campus job opportunities. The ones attending the 2012-13 campus drive are the ones who will be graduating in 2013, right?

I would suggest staying focused and preparing yourself to succeed in the interviews (technically). Mention the details of the educational gap wherever asked on the employment application form given by the companies. I don't think you need to go too much out of the way to highlight your educational gap unless you are questioned about it during the interview. If questioned, give a to-the-point reply rather than making it sound like an explanation. I have been on the interview panel for freshers, and I have observed that 80% of students fake the reason for the educational gap, and as an HR professional, I catch this when they go overboard in explaining. You can state that you met with a serious accident and had to take a break from education to recover. You can add that the medical reports are available with you in case the company would like to verify the details.

Hope my inputs will be useful to you. ALL THE BEST!

A similar incident was faced by my friend, and in your scenario, it's been considered as a 2011 pass out. The difference here is that he was not backed by the college, whereas you were helped by the college for attendance due to a valid reason. In this case, you are rightly considered a 2012 pass out since your degree certificate mentions 2012. Thank your institution for the assistance provided on your behalf.

I hope this helps!

While empathizing with your situation, the other members have given very valid answers—hope that clarifies your main query. This topic was discussed even recently (though the grounds/reasons are different)—please see the link below: https://www.citehr.com/443450-year-p...ification.html

Options for Your Job Hunt

Coming to the options open to you in your job hunt, I think there are two:

1. Talk to your college to include you in the current Campus Placements since they will be better placed to explain your situation to the companies coming for Campus Placements. Human nature being what it is, it's easier to take/accept others' word than the individual's.

2. Apply for Fresher positions where there's no restriction about the number of attempts made to pass the subjects—some companies have a "UP TO 5 attempts" rule.

All the best.

Regards,
TS

Don't get confused; the date on your degree states the year of graduation, and that's what you have to mention. Now, your concern about the gap is not important as you must have documentary proof of your accident, like medical papers, etc. So, in case anyone asks about the gap, you can show them. Since you have already graduated, I don't think you are eligible for campus recruitment. Stay calm and focus on off-campus jobs. With your good marks, I am sure you will get a nice break. Also, remember that if God has helped you recover from such a serious accident, He will guide you to find a good job. Do your best and do not falsify any records.