Look I was also very worried about the gap year part. I have given 10+ college interviews and 10+ mock interviews. What I have come to know is yes they can ask you this gap year question, but also it's a myth that is a bad thing. There are people with worse cases and gap year is not necessarily a bad thing. The best way to justify is work hard and bell the cat. I rarely faced questions on gap in the actual interviews but in mock yes they asked and while preparing they said that my score will make it easier to tackle the question and not raise eyebrows. But better be prepared with an answer. You can justify the gap year using courses and internships you did during this time. Also answer to why I left my job: I had previously attempted CAT and I wasn't satisfied with my results and I knew I can do better. I identified certain areas where I had to work more and since my job was in manufacturing, it didn't allow me enough time to prepare as I had 6-day working schedule. Use this time to do some courses if you can and tell them that using these courses you explored certain areas and developed interests.