What is Backlog Certificate: Everything You Need To Know

It is a general assumption that backlogs harm your application to some extent, and once you get a backlog, your choice of universities becomes limited. In this article, we will be covering every topic related to a backlog. So without further adieu, let's get started!

What is Backlog?

Backlog is the number of subjects that a student has failed in a course.

Backlog exam is usually given at the end of the semester, allowing the student to demonstrate their knowledge of the material to earn a passing grade. There are several reasons why a student might take a backlog exam. In some cases, the student may have missed too many classes to pass the course without taking the exam. In other cases, the student may have struggled with the material and decided to retake the course in order to improve their grades.

Backlog Certificate Meaning

A backlog certificate is proof from your academic institution indicating the number of backlogs that you have cleared till date. It shows the number of papers or subjects in your undergraduate or graduate level courses you reappeared.

In order to get it, you need to file an application requesting the institution to issue the same. This is the case, since the majority of colleges only offer backlog certificates to students who need them for subsequent admission.

Is Backlog certificate important to study abroad?

Backlog certificates are crucial when going to study abroad. It is mandatory to enclose a it along with other set of documents supporting your application, such as academic transcripts, LOR(Letter of Recommendation), SOP(Statement of Purpose), CV(curriculum vitae.)

Here are a few points to summarize why it is crucial to study at overseas universities:

• Backlog reputation influences the visa attractiveness method.
• A backlog certificate is important in figuring out how the backlog subjects were counted.
• With the help of it, your destiny college could be aware of the topics in which backlogs have been registered, the wide variety of tries taken to clear them, and the current reputation of the backlog.

Who Needs a Backlog Certificate?

Many students get confused about whether a backlog certificate is required even though they cleared all their exams on their first attempt and have no backlogs. Let’s throw some light on who is eligible for one.

• Backlog certificates are meant for college/university students who have records of any backlog.

• Universities accepting backlogs ask college students for backlog certificates to look at what topics have backlogs, what number of tries had been taken to clear the exam, and the way to calculate backlogs, amongst other instructional details.

• It is mandatory for students with zero backlogs to submit a “No Backlog certificate.”

• Therefore, it is clearly stated that all college students must submit a backlog certificate regardless of whether they had a backlog or not.

• While the requirement may still vary in multiple universities, it is better to submit and be prepared for an application for a backlog certificate.

How to Use a Backlog Certificate?

It's use has nothing to do with you but the admissions committee who are assessing your utility. You are responsible for submitting an application for a backlog certificate and making certain it reaches the college to which you are applying on time. Among numerous different files required like financial documents, supporting documents like LOR, SOP & last but not least standardised exams score of GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, and SAT to finish an application, a backlog certificate is one of them. In a way, your backlog certificates enhances the educational transcripts.

The backlog certificate is necessary because it is not possible for the admissions committee to inquire about every student's academic qualifications. Thus a document like a this serves the intended purpose as it is issued by the previous institution itself and is regarded as a reliable source of information.

Difference between Backlog Certificate and Transcript

How Backlogs are Counted?

They are counted as completed when the student receives the certificate from the university. The certificate shows that the student has completed all the requirements of the program and is eligible to immigrate to other countries. The following methods are used to count backlogs:

• Based on the number of subjects

In this case, the backlog certificate is issued based on the number of subjects and not by the number of attempts made to clear the subject. This counting method is adopted by universities in the USA, UK, and Canada.

For Example, Number of Backlogs = Number of Failed Subjects.
A student who failed in two subjects took 3 attempts per subject to passing the exam. So, the total backlogs will be counted as 2 and Not 6.

• Based on the number of attempts

In this case, the backlog certificate is issued based on the number of attempts or reattempts taken to clear the exam. This counting method is adopted by universities in Australia, Germany, and a few Canadian universities.

For Example, Subject Failed 1 (Attempt 1 for Subject 1, Attempts 2 for Subject 1, Attempts 3 for Subject 1). The total Backlogs count is taken as 3.

What is the Procedure to Get a Backlog Certificate?

To obtain a backlog certificate, you will need to contact your school and schedule an appointment. It should ideally state that you don't have any backlogs after verifying your academic records. Be sure to apply for the certificates well in advance and fill in the application accurately. Any discrepancies will further delay the process.

Here are two important points to note:

• Indian universities are acquainted with the process of issuing backlog certificates, and they guide students to submit a formal application for the same. You will need to submit a written application along with a completed form to request a backlog or no-backlog certificate.
• When universities don't keep track of your certificates, it's difficult to issue them. In these cases, you may have to contact your future university to request the certificate. If you're having issues with a zero backlog certificate, that'd be the time when you might experience this problem.

Backlog application format

Universities may require your application for certificate issuance to be filled out in certain formats. Mark them down and take a look at the application process so you know what information is necessary.

Application for the backlog certificate

To apply for the Backlog Certificate you need to give an application. Here is a sample application letter:

The Principal/Dean

Name of University

Address of the University

Subject: Application for Backlog Certificate

Respected Sir/Madam

I am …….. (Name), s/o or d/o of………. (Father’s Name), Roll No….... student of ………. (course name with batch) at your university. I am writing this application requesting to issue my backlog certificate needed to apply for a master's degree. Kindly find the details of my backlog in the table, below:

Yours Sincerely,

(Name)

No backlog certificate application format

Application for No Backlog Certificate

The Principal/ Dean

Name of University

Address of the University

Subject: Application for No Backlog Certificate

Respected Sir/ Madam,

I am _____ (Name), s/o or d/o of _____ (Father’s Name), Roll No. ______, student of _____ (course name with batch) at your university. I am writing this application requesting to issue my zero backlog certificate needed to apply for a master's degree. I have successfully cleared my bachelor's degree with zero backlogs in every semester & hence am requesting you issue the certificate verifying the same.

Please issue my backlog certificate as soon as possible. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours Sincerely,

(Name)

Backlog Certificate Format

As seen below, the format is simple & contains the detail of institutions, students, courses & various other information regarding subjects & number of backlogs. Check out our sample version above to see what a typical student certificate looks like without any backlogs.

Backlog Certificate Sample

Here is an example of Backlog Certificate issued by the university.

No Backlog Certificate Sample