However, it was changed to third-highest division when Iran's football structure officially became professional.
The first- and second-placed teams in each group are automatically promoted to the Azadegan League.
If teams in the promotion or relegation spots are tied in terms of points, a home and away series will be played.
The team with the best aggregate score will either avoid relegation or win promotion.
Additionally the number of teams in each group was increased from twelve to fourteen this season.