HTML <select> required Attribute

Last Updated : 26 May, 2026

The required attribute is used to make a <select> dropdown mandatory before form submission. It ensures that the user selects an option from the dropdown list.

  • Prevents form submission if no option is selected.
  • Commonly used in forms where selection is compulsory.
  • It is a boolean attribute, so its presence alone makes the dropdown required.

syntax: 

<select required> 

Example: Illustrates the use of required attribute in select element. 

html
<!--Driver Code Starts-->

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>

<head>
    <title>HTML | <select> required Attribute</title>
    <style>
        h1,
        h2 {
            color: green;
            font-style: italic;
        }
        
        body {
            text-align: center;
        }
    </style>
</head>

<body>
    <h1>GeeksForGeeks</h1>
    <h2>HTML select required attribute</h2>
    <form action="">
<!--Driver Code Ends-->

        <select required>
            <option value="">None</option>
            <option value="ds">Data Structure</option>
            <option value="algo">Algorithm</option>
            <option value="os">Operating System</option>
            <option value="cn">Computer Network</option>
        </select>

<!--Driver Code Starts-->
        <input type="submit">
    </form>
</body>

</html>

<!--Driver Code Ends-->
Comment