The 1996 Russian Second League was the fifth edition of Russian Second Division. There were 3 zones with 60 teams starting the competition (2 were excluded before the end of the season).
^FC Turbostroitel Kaluga did not participate in any national-level competitions in 1997.
^FC Iriston Vladikavkaz were excluded from the league after playing 19 games and gaining 25 points. All their results were discarded.
^FC Kolos Krasnodar were excluded from the league after playing 18 games and gaining 20 points. All their results were discarded. Kolos did not participate in any national-level competitions in 1997.