Hey,

First of all there is no such thing that says that distance education won't matter whereas regular courses matter.

Most of the companies recruit on the basis of a assessment test and if you clear the test you will be called for interview. If you clear the interview then you will get the offer.

As far as the gap year is concerned, few companies have specific requirements about your gap year and few don't care about it.

You need to individually check for the gap requirements on the company's website.

Hope that helps.

Thank you.