21 merit badges are needed for eagle scout.
how many merit badges do you need for eagle scout?
21
eagle scout requirements have evolved since the award was conceived. a requirement to earn 11 specific merit badges was added in 1914, which underwent minor changes in 1915. the life–star order was reversed in 1924, apparently because the five-pointed star of the star scout insignia could be associated with the five merit badges required to earn the rank immediately following first class scout. in 1927, eagle scout began the transition from being a super merit badge to a rank. as a result, the first requirements for tenure were created and scouts were required to be an active first class scout for one year. the initial requirements for what became the service project appeared with a requirement to show satisfactory service and the number of required merit badges increased to 12. in 1936, the ranks of star and life became mandatory, and the number of required merit badges rose to 13. it was at this time that eagle scout became a full-fledged rank. in 1952, age limits were set so that adults over 18 years of age could no longer earn eagle scout and the service project requirement was slightly expanded to "do your best to help in your home, school, church or synagogue, and community." in 1958, the number of required merit badges increased again to 16 of the 21 total merit badges needed to obtain eagle, along with the first requirements for service and leadership.
eagle scout (boy scouts of america)
a new eagle scout can instantly receive, alongside his eagle medal, all eagle palms earned for merit badges completed before becoming an eagle scout. these palms recognize additional merit badges earned before completing the eagle board of review. previously, an eagle scout needed to wait three months between each palm—even if the extra merit badges were earned before becoming an eagle. this meant that, under the old rules, a youth who became an eagle scout at 17 years and 10 months, was mathematically unable to earn any eagle palms.





















































section::::insignia and apparel.
eagle scout (boy scouts of america)