The league was contested by 24 teams, divided into two groups; A and B.[1] Both groups consisted of 12 teams. The winners of group A and B were promoted to the 1983 1. divisjon. The second placed teams in group A and B met the 10th best finisher in 1. divisjon in a qualification round where the winner was promoted to 1. divisjon. The bottom three teams in both groups were relegated to the 3. divisjon.
Kongsvinger won group A with 32 points. Brann won group B with 32 points. Both teams promoted to the 1983 1. divisjon. The second-placed teams, Eik and Steinkjer met Fredrikstad in the promotion play-offs. Eik won the qualification round and won promotion.