The season commenced on 9 January 2016, after the Indian Super League finished, and concluded on 24 April 2016.
[3] Mizo club, Aizawl, were promoted from the 2nd Division earlier in May following a 4–2 victory over Chanmari.
[4] DSK Shivajians were announced as the direct-entry club for this season on 12 November 2015.
[6] Then, towards the end of October, it was announced that both Pune and Bharat FC had failed to compile to the AFC-licensing criteria needed to participate in the I-League.
[7] On 21 November 2015, it was confirmed that Royal Wahingdoh, another debutant club from the previous season, were withdrawing from the league.