Compulsory vs Mandatory Compulsory is an issue where you must fulfill a requirement and you cannot get out of it, usually. All children must get their innoculations in order to start attending school. These are "shots" that prevent disease. The school requires this for the health and wellfare of all students. This is compulsory. A mandate is a written document that states something must be done. It is mandatory that you purchase an all-inclusive program where all your meals will be provided if you visit a high-class resort in Cancun, Mexico. After you pay your $900, all the food will be "free" or no more money will be charged for any food you eat. However, to visit that resort, it is mandatory that you pay for this program. You cannot visit unless you do this. So I don't visit mandatory all-inclusive resorts because it is too expensive.

If you want to be a Doctor, it is compulsory that you have the correct classes and do well. It is not mandatory that you become a doctor though. To be compulsory = A mandatory activity IF you want something else to happen. Mandatory = things that must happen.

mandatory is formal and it describes something which must be done, or which is demanded by law, like: The minister is calling for mandatory prison sentences for people who assault police officers. Athletes must undergo a mandatory drugs test before competing in the championship. compulsory is almost the same and when something is compulsory it means you must do it because of a rule or law, like: English is compulsory for all students, but art and music are optional. Attendance at lectures is compulsory. good luck. :)