The Swiss Football Association (ASF/SFV) had 28 member clubs at this time and these were devided into two divisions of 14 teams each.
The champions would qualify for the 1962–63 European Cup and the last two teams in the league table at the end of the season were to be relegated.
Schaffhausen and Bellinzona ended the season level on points, therefore a play-off for promotion was required.
The decider match for second place was played on 18 June 1961 at the Stadion Neufeld in Bern.
Schaffhausen won and were promoted to 1961–62 Nationalliga A. Bellinzona remained in the division.