The 1960–61 1. Liga season was the 29th 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 semi-professional or even professional players.
Format.
There were 36 teams competing in the 1. Liga 1960–61 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 directly relegated to the 2. Liga (fourth tier). The three second last placed teams were to contest a play-out to decide the fourth relegation slot.
Promotion, relegation.
Promotion play-off.
The three group winners played single a round-robin for the two promotion slots and for the championship. The games were played on 18 and 25 June and 2 July 1961.
" FC Porrentruy became 1. Liga champions. The champions and the runners-up FC Bodio were promoted to 1961–62 Nationalliga B. SC Burgdorf remained in the division."
Relegation play-out.
The three second last placed teams in each group, contested a play-out to decide the fourth and last relegation slot. The games were played on 18 and 25 June and 2 July 1961.
" Delémont and Malley remained in the division. FC Wil were relegated to 2. Liga."