Are there ways in which a low profile can be improved for MS?

I have the following profile:

10th - 60% - 2007

3 years gap

12th - 58% - 2012

B.E - 60% - 2016 with 5 Backlogs

1 year of experience as Software Developer

As you can see, this is a very low profile & one sure to rejected by most Universities. But I have read on Quora that GPA is just one aspect of the application & other aspects can outweigh the low GPA.

There seems to be a suggestion that factors like

  1. Internationally recognized certifications such as OCJP
  2. Certifications from Coursera on the subject one’s going to specialize in MS
  3. Publishing research papers
  4. Work experience

along with good GRE, SOP & LORs may outweigh a low GPA & a year gap.

I just want to know to what extent such assertions are true? Can these factors really be a game changer?

Thank you for your time!

Yes, what you read is true. All the things mentioned by you can help. All in all, if you have Good GRE, TOEFL scores with good SOP and any other credentials listed above, it will help a lot to secure admission in good school.