What is a Backlog?
A backlog is the number of subjects that a student has failed in a course. A 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.
What is a Backlog Certificate?
A backlog certificate is a 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 a backlog certificate, 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.
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. The backlog certificate 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 backlog certificate 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.
Application Sample for 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. This is an application to request you to issue my backlog certificate as I require it for applying for a master’s degree. The details of my backlogs are mentioned in the table below:
| Semester | Expected Year of Passing | Year of Passing | Number of Backlogs | Number of Attempts | Subject Reappears |
| Semester I | |||||
| Semester II | |||||
| Semester III | |||||
| Semester IV | |||||
| Semester V | |||||
| Semester VI |
Yours Sincerely,
(Name)
Is a Backlog Certificate Important to Study Abroad?
Backlog certificates are crucial when going to study abroad. It is mandatory to enclose a backlog certificate along with other sets 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 a backlog certificate is crucial to studying 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 a backlog certificate, 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?
Backlog certificates are ideally meant for college/university students who have records of any backlog. The certificate is also requested in many other instances such as the following
- 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 have 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?
The use of a backlog certificate 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 to finish an application, a backlog certificate is one of them. In a way, your backlog certificates enhance the educational academic 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 backlog certificate serves the intended purpose as it is issued by the previous institution itself and is regarded as a reliable source of information.
How are Backlogs 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:
1. 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, total backlogs will be counted as 2 and Not 6.
2. 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 the 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.
Difference between a Backlog Certificate and a Transcript
| Backlog Certificate | Transcript |
| – Backlog certificates are issued by the school or university that you attended. – Backlog certificates include all of the courses that you took during your time at school. – Backlog certificates are generally used for employment purposes. – A backlog certificate only includes the grades for the topics in which you had a backlog. – The backlog Certificate is usually sent to you after the completion of 30 weeks of coursework. However, it will be issued upon approval if you are on a waitlist when you apply for your certificate. – Backlog certificates are a report that recognizes the number of backlogs that have been registered whilst a scholar did not clear the examination within the first attempt. | – A Transcript on the other hand is a paper document issued by the Ministry of Education. – Academic transcripts include your grade in every subject you’ve taken over your period of study. – Transcripts are used for educational purposes. – Transcript proves you have met the requirements for a course. – If you are an international student and have completed your coursework at an accredited school, you may be eligible to receive a transcript with a backlog certificate. – A transcript is an official document issued by a college or university that lists all the courses a student has taken and the grades they have received for each course. |
How to Avoid Backlogs?
We have listed some tips to avoid a backlog in your education. Some students can develop certain habits which can be avoided by following the suggestions mentioned below:
- Make sure to attend classes on a regular basis. Some schools may have attendance requirements that can make you ineligible to take exams. If this happens, it will create backlogs in the class and make your work more difficult.
- If you need to revise for an exam, going back through your notes is a great way to make sure you’re prepared.
- It’s important to address your doubts as they arise – and one of the first concepts in engineering begins with math. Because math is intertwined with other parts of the class, that can lead to uncertainty. Having your teacher clarify these topics is a good idea when you feel unsure.
- You can prepare for exams by staying disciplined and sticking to a study schedule. This will reduce your stress levels, so you know you’ll be at your best on test day.
- If you want to get better at solving question papers, then you need to practice daily!
