The 32nd Federation Cup qualifiers commenced from 14 September. Eight teams battled it out for a place in the quarterfinal round and had been divided into two groups.
The cup winner were guaranteed a place in the 2011 AFC Cup.
The winner from each Zone qualified for the quarterfinal round which were held from 21 September.
The two qualifiers from the preliminary knock-out round joined the 14 I-League teams, who had been divided into four groups.
Top scorers as of 29 September 2010.