The 1961–62 1. Liga season was the 30th season of the 1. Liga since its creation in 1931. At this time, the 1. Liga was the third-tier of the Swiss football league system and it was the highest level of total amateur football. At this time the clubs in the two higher divisions in Switzerland were beginning to employ professional or moreover semi-professional players.
Format.
There were 36 teams competing in the 1. Liga 1961–62 season. They were divided into three regional groups, each group with 12 teams. Within each group, the teams would play a double round-robin to decide their league position. Two points were awarded for a win. The three group winners then contested a play-off round to decide the two promotion slots. The last placed team in each group were relegated to the 2. Liga (fourth tier). The groups were to be stocked up, each with one additional club for the next season, therefore these three relegated teams would be replaced by six promoted teams from the 2. Liga.
Group West.
Final league table.
"Xamax had 8 points deducted because they had been accused by former coach Vidjak of paying illegal bonuses to the players."
Promotion play-off.
The three group winners played single a round-robin for the two promotion slots and for the championship.
Round-robin.
"FC Moutier were declaired 1. Liga champions. The champions and the runners-up Cantonal Neuchâtel were promoted to 1962–63 Nationalliga B."