5 years for competitive exams (unsuccessfully I'm assuming) looks bad. 1 or 2 years is fine, you need to know when to stop. I'd suggest making up something for the remaining years. Family circumstances, illness etc are all options

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Bump. What about teaching? If I want to start teaching and I have LL.M. and NET ? But have a gap. Should I be open about spending it on competitive exams or should I concoct a fake story ? I just need that first job.

It's in the context of corporate. What about academia? Or research organisations?

https://www.legallyindia.com/convos/topic/247513-people-with-gap-years-hard-getting-back-in

Here you go :)

Can be discussed again. Situations differ from person to person.

This has been discussed already.

Have a gap years of 5 years, preparing for competitive exams. How do I justify it in an interview?