The Federation Cup will kick-off on April 30 with eight top teams from the I-League being eligible to play in it, an All India Football Federation (AIFF) statement said on Thursday.
The top eight teams as per the standings of the ongoing I-League (after completion of the final round) will be playing in the knock-out format on a home and away basis including the semi-finals with the final match being slated to be played at a neutral venue.
As per the regulations of the tournament, the lower ranked teams are to play their home matches first, the AIFF statement added.
Also read: AIFF confirms ISL, I-League merger in 2018.
Round 1 is scheduled to be played on April 30 and May 1; while Round 2 will be played on May 3 and 4.
The first round of the semi-finals is to be played on May 7 and May 8 with the return legs slated for May 14 and 15.
The final will be played on May 21.