Is taking a gap year worth it?

Depends on when you take it. Would encourage you to think of the gap year as an unpaid learning opportunity. Personally, I think it is best to take it when you have some years of workex and can make sense of the world around you.

Yes, it is definitely encouraged. But it's best if you have some work ex before. That way in your time off you can actually think about your likes and dislikes and explore more.

Yeah, 100%. Took mine before university and gave me some perspective and experience before going back into education. Going straight from school to higher education always feels like a wasted opportunity to gain some life experience.

totally depends on the purpose youre taking it for. I also took a year gap after my 12th standard for different reasons, but that i can it was totally worth it. I gained a lot market exposure in that time, in short it worked with me.

I guess it depends on what you are going to do that year. If something useful for your future, then, of course, it is worth it!

Gap year has always seemed to me like some kind of wonderful opportunity to explore the world without being distracted by anything (this probably happens only in an ideal world). So during this period it is possible to gain new ideas, dreams, decide on something and rush further on the road.

Totally depends on how you utilize it. If you take the gap year to upskill yourself and find your passion, then nothing can be better.