Classroom of the Elite: Chapter To Read After Season 3 of the Anime
If you’ve just finished watching Season 3 of ‘Classroom of the Elite,’ you’re probably eager to dive deeper into the story. The anime, which wrapped up its third season in March 2024, has left us all hooked with its mind games and intense school rivalries. Based on the light novel series by Shōgo Kinugasa and illustrated by Shunsaku Tomose, this show has a lot more to offer beyond what we’ve seen on screen. So, where do you go next if you want to keep following Kiyotaka Ayanokoji and his classmates?
The third season covered a big chunk of the original light novel series, starting from Volume 8 and going all the way to Volume 11.5. That marks the end of what’s called the 1st Year Arc, which tracks the students’ first year at the Advanced Nurturing High School. With 13 episodes, the season aired from January to March 2024, giving us a solid close to that part of the tale. If you’re ready to move forward, the next step is clear—jump into the sequel series, ‘Classroom of the Elite: Year 2.’
You’ll want to start with Volume 1 of ‘Classroom of the Elite: Year 2’ to pick up right where the anime leaves off. This series began in January 2020 and follows Kiyotaka and his crew as they enter their second year, facing new challenges and fresh faces. As of now, it’s got 13 volumes out in Japan, with the English translations catching up steadily—the latest being Volume 7, released not too long ago. Volume 8 is on its way soon, hitting digital shelves in late March 2025 and print in early April. So, there’s plenty to read while we wait for more anime news.
Why skip the manga, you ask? Well, the manga adaptation of the Year 1 Arc, drawn by Yuyu Ichino, only goes up to Volume 5 so far, which the anime has already passed. There’s a Year 2 manga too, illustrated by Shia Sasane, but it’s moving slow—only covering Volume 1 after five volumes—and it’s not fully available in English yet. The light novels are the real deal here, giving you the full, detailed story straight from Kinugasa’s mind. Plus, they dive deeper into the characters’ thoughts, especially Kiyotaka’s, which the anime sometimes trims down.
Season 3 ended the first-year saga, showing us the Mixed Training Camp and wrapping up with Volume 11.5’s epilogue. It’s a natural breakpoint, but the story doesn’t stop there. ‘Year 2’ brings in new students, tougher tests, and a mysterious White Room connection that’s been teasing us since the start. If you’re itching to see what happens next, grabbing Volume 1 of the sequel is the way to go. It’s where Kiyotaka’s second year kicks off, and trust me, the stakes only get higher.
For those wondering about Season 4, it’s already been confirmed during a livestream event in September 2024, set to cover the first semester of Year 2. No release date yet, but it’s coming. While you wait, the light novels let you stay ahead. I’d say start with ‘Year 2’ Volume 1 and keep going—by the time the anime drops, you’ll be way deeper into the game than the rest of us watching on Crunchyroll.