---
title: 4.3 Nested if Statement
description: "A nested `if` statement is an `if` statement placed inside another `if` statement. It allows a program to evaluate a second condition only when an outer condition has already been satisfied. Nested conditions are useful when a decision depends on…"
url: "https://edcret.in/docs/cpp-programming/decision-making/4-3-nested-if-statement/"
updated: "2026-09-06"
category: C++ Programming / Decision Making
---

# 4.3 Nested if Statement

A nested `if` statement is an `if` statement placed inside another `if` statement. It allows a program to evaluate a second condition only when an outer condition has already been satisfied.

Nested conditions are useful when a decision depends on multiple levels of related conditions.

## Source Code

```
#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    int age = 20;
    bool has_license = true;

    if (age >= 18)
    {
        if (has_license)
        {
            std::cout << "Eligible to drive.\n";
        }
    }

    return 0;
}
```

## Output

```
Eligible to drive.
```

## Explanation

- The outer `if` statement checks whether `age` is at least `18`.
- The inner `if` statement is located inside the block of the outer `if` statement.
- The inner condition is evaluated only when the outer condition evaluates to `true`.
- `has_license` is checked only after the age requirement has been satisfied.
- Both conditions must evaluate to `true` for `"Eligible to drive."` to be displayed.
- Nested `if` statements can contain further `if` statements when additional levels of decision-making are required.
- Curly braces define the scope of each `if` block.
- `return 0;` terminates the program successfully.