The College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS) Ilorin cut-off mark for 2026 is 160. That is the minimum JAMB UTME score the management submitted to JAMB for the 2025/2026 admission session. Any candidate who scores below 160 will not be considered for admission into the college’s ND and related programmes.
Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, Ilorin was established by the Kwara State Government through an act in 1992, and is one of four colleges affiliated to Bayero University in Kano, Nigeria. The college was set up to provide Muslim communities and interested candidates with access to Arabic, Islamic, and legal education at the tertiary level — and has grown considerably since then. In September 2020, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) approved the college to begin National Diploma (ND) programmes, broadening its offering beyond traditional Islamic and Arabic studies.
Please note: On 1 September 2022, the college was renamed from its former name to the College of Arabic, Islamic, Legal and Management Studies (CAILMS). However, it is still widely known and searched for as CAILS Ilorin or KWARACAILS, and the name on most official JAMB records and public documents still reflects the original name.
Official JAMB Cut-Off Mark for CAILS Ilorin 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Institution | College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS), Ilorin |
| Also Known As | KWARACAILS / CAILMS |
| State | Kwara State |
| Institution Type | State-Owned College (ND / Diploma Awarding) |
| Programmes Offered | ND, Regular Diploma, Certificate, Pre-Diploma |
| JAMB Cut-Off Mark (2026) | 160 |
| JAMB National Minimum (Polytechnics/Similar) | 100 |
The national JAMB minimum for polytechnic-equivalent and similar ND-awarding institutions is 100. CAILS Ilorin has chosen to set their minimum at 160 — which is 60 points above what JAMB requires. This shows the college is committed to admitting candidates who are academically prepared for the demands of tertiary-level study.
Programmes and Departmental Cut-Off Marks for CAILS Ilorin 2026
The management has not released separate cut-off marks per department. The 160 applies as a general minimum across all JAMB-based admission programmes. The table below gives a realistic picture of competitive scores by programme type, based on general admission trends:
| Programme | Minimum Required | Recommended Safe Score |
|---|---|---|
| ND Accountancy | 160 | 180 and above |
| ND Computer Science | 160 | 185 and above |
| ND English and Islamic Studies | 160 | 170 and above |
| ND Mass Communication and Islamic Studies | 160 | 175 and above |
| Diploma in Shariah and Common Law (DSCL) | 160 | 170 and above |
| Diploma in Arabic, Islamic Studies and Hausa (DAIH) | 160 | 165 and above |
| Diploma in Arabic, Islamic Studies and Yoruba (DAIY) | 160 | 165 and above |
| CAILS-KWASU Foundation Diploma Programme | 160 | 170 and above |
Note: The “Recommended Safe Score” column reflects competitive estimates based on general ND and Diploma admission trends. These are not figures published by the institution. Always confirm directly with the admissions office.
What the 160 Cut-Off Mark Means for Your Admission
Scoring 160 qualifies you to apply — it does not secure your admission. Here is what every candidate must understand clearly:
CAILS Ilorin offers more than just Islamic and Arabic programmes. The college offers various ND programmes that can lead to HND programmes or 200-level university admission, including National Diplomas in Accountancy, Computer Science, English and Islamic Studies, and more. This makes it a legitimate pathway to a degree for candidates who want an alternative route to university.
A Post-UTME screening is required. CAILS conducts a Post-UTME screening exercise, and your performance during this stage significantly affects your admission chances. Meeting the 160 cut-off alone is not sufficient — prepare thoroughly for the screening.
Your O’Level results are evaluated alongside your JAMB score. Candidates must have WASC/GCE/SSCE/NECO/NABTEB or the equivalent with at least five credit passes in relevant subjects including English Language and Mathematics at not more than two sittings. Weak O’Level results will hurt your admission chances even if your JAMB score qualifies.
Competition is real. The college’s combination of Arabic and Islamic education with mainstream ND programmes attracts a broad pool of applicants from Kwara State and beyond. A higher score above 160 puts you in a more comfortable position.
The CAILS-KWASU Foundation Diploma is a valuable pathway. The CAILS-KWASU Foundation Diploma Programme is a 9-month accelerated programme that prepares candidates for direct entry into 200-level degree programmes at Kwara State University. If your goal is a degree and you meet the cut-off, this route is worth considering.
What Candidates Should Do Next
- Confirm your JAMB score is 160 or above before proceeding with any application
- Visit the official college application portal at kwaracails.edu.ng/portal/application to begin your online application
- After a successful application, all Regular Diploma and ND applicants must complete the online screening process, which involves paying the admission screening fee of ₦2,000, providing your O’Level result checking scratch card, your National Identification Number (NIN), and uploading required documents
- Ensure your O’Level results include at least five credit passes in the relevant subjects for your chosen programme, including English Language and Mathematics
- Prepare thoroughly for the Post-UTME screening exercise
- Monitor the college’s official website at kwaracails.edu.ng and their Facebook page for updates on screening dates and admission lists
FAQs: CAILS Ilorin Cut-Off Mark 2026
What is the CAILS Ilorin cut-off mark for 2026?
The cut-off mark is 160. That is the minimum JAMB UTME score announced by the college management for the 2025/2026 admission session.
Is CAILS Ilorin only for Muslim students or students studying Islamic courses?
No. While the college has strong roots in Arabic and Islamic education, it also offers ND programmes in Accountancy, Computer Science, and other mainstream fields that can lead to HND or 200-level university admission. Candidates from all backgrounds can apply for the relevant ND programmes.
Has the college changed its name?
Yes. On 1 September 2022, the college was officially renamed from the Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies to the College of Arabic, Islamic, Legal and Management Studies (CAILMS). It is still popularly referred to as CAILS or KWARACAILS in most admission circles.
Can I gain admission with exactly 160?
Yes, 160 qualifies you to apply. However, your final admission also depends on your Post-UTME performance, your O’Level results, and the number of candidates competing for your chosen programme. A score of 180 and above significantly strengthens your application.
What programmes does CAILS Ilorin offer?
CAILS Ilorin offers a variety of programmes leading to National Diploma (ND) and further admission to Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes at any polytechnic, or 200-level in any university. It also offers Regular Diploma, Certificate, Pre-Diploma, and the CAILS-KWASU Foundation Diploma programmes in various Arabic and Islamic studies disciplines.
What happens if my JAMB score is below 160?
You will not be eligible for JAMB-based admission into CAILS Ilorin for this session. You may apply for non-JAMB programmes such as the Regular Diploma or Certificate programmes which have their own separate entry requirements not tied to a JAMB score. Contact the admissions office directly for guidance on this.
Is 160 a competitive score for CAILS Ilorin?
It is the minimum. To be in a comfortable position, aim for 175 and above, and ensure your O’Level results are strong. Performing well at the Post-UTME screening stage will further improve your chances.
As of the 2025/2026 admission cycle. Cut-off marks are subject to review at any time by the institution and JAMB. Always verify the latest requirements through the official college website at kwaracails.edu.ng before making any admission decision.
Related topics you may also find useful: CAILS Ilorin school fees and payment guide, CAILS-KWASU Foundation Diploma Programme explained, and how ND graduates can proceed to 200-level degree admission in Nigeria.
Haruna Ayuba is an Educationist who loves to write and share information with students and Guardians, helping them make the right decisions faster.
He is also an editor, AI lover and a prompt engineer.
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