1996–97 National Football League (India)

The 1996–97 National Football League, also known as the Philips National League for sponsorship reasons, was the inaugural season of the National Football League. The tournament began on 17 December 1996 and concluded on 16 March 1997. Before the commencement, the All India Football Federation maintained that it would be a semi-professional tournament for the first two years. The bottom two clubs in each group would not take part in the next edition, although Mohun Bagan would play the following season.

1996–97 National Football League (India)

The 1996–97 National Football League, also known as the Philips National League for sponsorship reasons, was the inaugural season of the National Football League. The tournament began on 17 December 1996 and concluded on 16 March 1997. Before the commencement, the All India Football Federation maintained that it would be a semi-professional tournament for the first two years. The bottom two clubs in each group would not take part in the next edition, although Mohun Bagan would play the following season.