Hello,

If your query is directed towards government exams, then no gap issue isn't much of a criteria when it comes to recruitment process, for instance in majority of exams you will have written tests to be conducted in two phases especially in case of UPSC CSE or state level PSCs or more than that such as SSC CGL which by the way doesn't' have interview, nevertheless the chances are there that you will be asked about your year gap and you have to be honest about it, just remember that if you reach to any interview level of any exam then you have qualified the written tests, so that validates your credibility as a qualified candidate and the year gap won't be a sole criteria for the rejection either, but yes you have to be well prepared to focus your  attention on what's important at that moment, you should focus on what's in your hand, what's the demand you have to prepare accordingly for the interview process and rest be confident, nothing much to worry regarding this.

Hi candidate,
Gap years always affect your career opportunities more or less irrespective of reasons or motives you have taken. If you are aiming a higher profile government job, you will be certainly asked in your interview rounds about your gap years and reason behind it. If they don't find it reasonable you can also be rejected. But as you have said you have awards and achieved something in those years, then it's absolutely fine.

Further if you are opting in govt. Jobs of clerk, assistant, banking sector,etc. The affect is a little bit low as far as you fit in the age criteria and you have required knowledge. I hope you are satisfied.
All the best.