What is a Backlog Certificate?: Format & Free Samples for 2024

One of the common document requirements while applying for a foreign university is a Backlog Certificate. As the name suggests, the document certifies your backlog history and affirms that you cleared all your backlogs. 

If you are looking forward to creating a backlog certificate, here is all you need to know about it. 

We have compiled detailed information on how and why you need a backlog certificate. Also, learn the different types of backlog certificates to understand your document requirements. 

Do not forget to check out the free sample at the end!

What is a Backlog Certificate?

A backlog certificate is an official document that certifies your backlog history from your previous education record. 

Within an academic context, a backlog refers to the papers or exams you failed to clear during your regular exam periods. These unfinished papers remain as a backlog in your academic record. A backlog certificate affirms that you cleared all of your backlogs. 

While applying for a foreign university, especially in popular destinations such as the US, the UK or Canada, most universities ask for a backlog certification while applying. This is when you need this document. Your previous institution usually provides the backlog certificate. 

Generally, being absent for an exam does not count as a backlog. The number of attempts is also not considered under backlogs. In most cases, backlogs are the exams you failed during your regular exam cycle and are waiting to clear.

The document is only issued once you clear all of your pending exams. Once you clear your backlog, you can receive your degree completion certificate.

Backlogs can be counted based on your subjects or your attempts. Most universities count the number of papers. However, this can vary if your institution opts for the number of attempts. 

You can count your backlogs in two methods:

• Backlogs Per Attempt: According to this system, a backlog is recorded for a student every time you fail to clear an exam. For example, you have two backlogs if you failed a subject test twice.

• Backlogs per Subject: This is the general system to count your backlogs. Here, the number of attempts you make to clear the test is irrelevant. It only considers the number of subjects that you are waiting to clear. For example, if you failed in Mathematics and English, the number of backlogs is two. It does not matter if you failed these exams more than once.

You can check your university guidelines to count the number of backlogs you have. 

Also Read: How to Write a Work Experience Certificate

Why do you need a Backlog Certificate?

The need for a backlog certificate can occur wherever you are submitting proof of your previous education. For example, you must submit proof of your educational qualifications while applying for further studies.

They might ask you to submit the certificate if that applies.  Sometimes, they might also ask for a No-backlog Certificate if you do not have any backlogs. 

Given below are the common occasions where you might need the document.

• While Applying for Universities: The most frequent situation where the certificate is asked is while applying for further studies. This is a common document requirement while applying for a foreign university. For example, if you are applying for a master’s program abroad, the university might ask for this certificate for your bachelor’s degree. 

• While Applying for a Job: Some companies can ask for this certificate while applying for a job. This is to assess your academic profile and ensure you have cleared your degree.

How to Get Your Backlog Certificate?

You can get your certificate from your previous university. Some universities provide semester-wise certificates, while some provide yearly certificates. The terms can differ based on your institution. 

If your institution does not provide a certificate on its own, you can request the document explaining your need. Contact the administration body of your previous institution to enquire about the procedures. 

If your institution hesitates, you can request your future university to request the certificate through mail. 

Types of Backlog Certificates?

There are different types of backlog certificates. These are divided based on the scale of how they measure your backlog history. 

While the basic formatting and structure of the certificates remain the same, they can vary depending on other minor details. Your institution decides the nature of the certificate that it issues. 

Check out for details: 

• Semester-wise Certificates: Some universities and colleges provide a certificate for each semester. For example, if you have a backlog in semester 1 and one in semester 2, you will receive two certificates for your backlog history.

• Yearly Certificates: These are certificates that are distributed on a yearly basis. You could receive two certificates if you failed one paper in your first year and one in your second year. 

• Subject-wise Certificates: The certificate only specifies the particular paper or subject you failed. It does not mention how many attempts you made to clear the test. 

• Attempt-wise Certificates: The attempt-wise certificates specify the number of attempts you made until you finally pass the exam. For example, if you fail a particular subject twice and pass the test on its third attempt, your certificate will count the number of attempts in it. 

• Cumulative Certificate: A cumulative certificate is usually issued at the school level. These certificates mention your cumulative score from each attempt until you cleared the test. 

Backlog Certificate Format

The format for a backlog certificate can vary depending on your institution and the type of certificate it provides. It generally mentions the basic details of your course, subject, and date. 

We have compiled the general details that you can ensure to include in your certificate. 

Check out the backlog certificate format below:

• Student Details: Include all relevant details, including your complete name, course, batch, and roll number. 
• Subject: The primary objective of the backlog certificate is to specify the papers that you had previously failed and then cleared. So, it is important to mention the particular papers or subjects you had a backlog with.  
• Year: Mentioning the year of your backlog is essential. For each backlog, mention the corresponding year. 
• Date: Mention the date of issue of your certificate. 
• Attempts (if needed): If creating an attempt-wise backlog certificate, specify the number of attempts you made for each backlog.
• Authorisation: Authorising your document is mandatory for its credibility. Include the name and sign of the authoriser. This can be your school principal or any high official of your institution. You can also include other university details such as name, official seal and contact information. 

Backlog Certificate Sample

The basic format for a backlog certificate is given below. You can observe the formatting, language style, tonality, and other specified details. 

Tailor your backlog certificates based on the given sample. 

Check out the sample below:

Backlog Certificate This is to certify that [Your Name], d/o [Parent/Guardian] bearing roll. no. [Your roll number] is a bonafide student of [Your course] from the batch of [Your Batch] at the [Your institution].  Hereby, the student has cleared the bachelor’s/master’s course.  Their backlog record is as follows: Year- Semester 1. Subject Name- Date of Passing 2. Subject Name- Date of Passing 3. Subject name- Date of Passing We hereby confirm that the student has no pending backlogs in any subject. This certificate has been issued at the student’s request and is verified. Signature Name (of Principal / Dean) Office Stamp Contact Number

No Backlog Certificate

Interestingly, while certain universities ask for a Backlog Certificate, others might ask you to provide a No Backlog Certificate. 

A No Backlog Certificate is to certify that you do not have any backlogs. This assures your recipient that you do not have any record of backlogs in your academic history and certifies your excellence in clearing your course within the regular period.  Similar to the backlog certificates, these are also issued by your previous institution. 

Although not included in general document requirements, some universities or job firms might ask you to provide evidence that you do not have any pending academic papers to clear. 

If your future university asks for this certificate, request your previous institution to supply a certificate certifying that you completed your course within the regular period.

No Backlog Certificate Sample

Given below is a sample for a No Backlog Certificate. You can refer to it for a general awareness of the format and intention of the document.

Check out the sample below:

No Backlog Certificate This is to certify that  [ Your Name], d/o of [ Your Parent/Guardian], bearing roll. no. [Your roll number] is a bonafide student of [Your course] from the batch of [Your Batch] at the [Your institution].  Hereby it certifies that the student has successfully completed her Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree with no backlogs.  This certificate has been issued at the student’s request and is verified. Signature Name (of Principal / Dean) Office Stamp Contact Number

To Sum Up

Understanding the documentation requirements is an important prerequisite while applying for any foreign university. Creating essential documents can be a lengthy process. So, starting your work as early as possible is extremely important. 

If your university asks for a backlog certificate, then try to prepare it beforehand. Getting your backlog certificates issued from your previous institution might take a while. If a backlog certificate does not apply, prepare a no-backlog certificate. Preparing this beforehand will ensure you do not have any hassles during your application process. 

Gathering essential documents, tracking the application timelines, and the latest news and updates can be exhaustive. If you plan to study at a foreign university but are stuck with all these tasks, here is happy news for you.

Leap’s study-abroad consultants can guide you through each step until you reach your goal with flying colours. 

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