To widen the football map of the country and to bolster the football structure, the I-League Core Committee decide to launch the 2nd Division Qualifiers for the 2016-17 season. Participants from all the state associations would be invited to take part in the 2016-17 2nd Division League Qualifiers.
The state associations need to nominate two teams with best results, apart from the teams who would compete in Hero I-League and 2nd Division League in the 2015-16 season, from the 2015-16 state leagues, to compete in the 2nd Division Qualifiers. Meanwhile, the clubs need to comply with the criteria, mentioned below, to compete in the 2nd Division Qualifiers:
• AFC ‘B’ License Head Coach
• 18 contracted players
• Legal entity under societies or companies act
The teams will fight it out amongst themselves in the Zonal Round followed by the Final Round. Eventually top two teams from the Final Round will get a nod to the 2nd Division League 2016-17, provided that they fulfill the club licensing requirements in the due time. State associations need to submit their nominations before September 8, 2015.