What exactly is I-League 3?
I-League 3, recently introduced to Indian football, serves as a qualifier for I-League 2, the third division of the league system. The 2024/25 I-League 3 will be a one-month tournament held in September, where teams compete for a chance to advance. The top three teams from this tournament will earn promotion to play in I-League 2 later in the same season, which primarily takes place in January.
The 2024/25 I-League 3 is a tournament featuring 25 teams that have qualified from the top-tier state leagues across India. Typically, the top two teams from each state league are selected to compete, but if these teams are unable to participate, clubs finishing 3rd or 4th may also be chosen. Additionally, teams relegated from I-League 2 are given a chance to compete in I-League 3, offering them an opportunity to regain their spot in I-League 2.
The 2024/25 edition of I-League 3 will feature 25 teams divided into five groups of five teams each. Each group will be hosted by one of the clubs in their home stadium, with every team playing four matches. The top team from each group will advance to the playoff round, where the five group winners will compete against each other. The top three teams from this playoff will be promoted to I-League 2, while the bottom two will secure direct entry into the 2025/26 I-League 3. This mirrors the 2023/24 I-League 3, where the bottom two playoff teams were also given a chance in the next edition.
To sum it up, I-League 3 isn't exactly the 4th tier of Indian football with a formal league structure; rather, it serves as a qualifier for teams aiming to secure promotion to I-League 2. The top three teams from I-League 3 will go on to compete in I-League 2 within the same footballing season.
Football Insider.