Scout Ahead https://www.scoutahead.org/plans/eagle-scout-rank-requirements/steps/01KZFGBX8W9P8WRBEM2RDB94C4

Task · part of 3. Earn a total of 21 merit badges

3. Eight optional merit badges

Required Repeats 8 times

Any eight beyond the required thirteen, bringing the total to 21. A badge from a slot whose choice you filled with something else counts here.

Where this step comes from

  1. Eagle Scout Rank Application (January 2026 Revision), Requirement 3 · Twenty-one in total less the thirteen required leaves eight, and a second badge from a slot that offers a choice counts among them.
  2. Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Discontinuance (Program update, 27 February 2026) · Electives rose from seven to eight when Citizenship in Society came off the required list.
  3. Merit Badge Requirements (Current online edition) · The full list to choose eight from.

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