After the completion of the four preliminary rounds which saw 811 goals scored across 131 matches, Airdrieonians, Albion Rovers, Arbroath, Battlefield, Black Watch, Cambuslang, Cowlairs, East Stirlingshire, Grangemouth, Hurlford, Inverness Thistle, Kilmarnock, Orion, Port Glasgow Athletic, Vale of Leven and 5th Kirkcudbright RV advanced to the first round.
Alongside the four semi-finalists from the previous season, 12 further teams were voted to be exempt from competing in the preliminary rounds.
By virtue of being semi-finalists in 1892–93, Broxburn Shamrock, Celtic, Queen's Park and St Bernard's were the first to be exempt.
Following a vote, Dumbarton, Renton, Rangers, Heart of Midlothian, St Mirren, Thistle, King's Park, Abercorn, Leith Athletic, 3rd Lanark RV, Linthouse and Clyde were given an exemption from the preliminary rounds.
Source:[3] Airdrieonians, Arbroath, Black Watch, Cowlairs, Kilmarnock and Vale of Leven received a bye to the first round.