The 1981–82 Yugoslav Second League season was the 36th season of the Second Federal League (Serbo-Croatian: Druga savezna liga), the second level association football competition of SFR Yugoslavia, since its establishment in 1946.
The three clubs promoted to the second level were Kikinda, Kozara and Solin.
At the winter break, Svoboda stepped out of the league meaning a total of 29 rounds was played in the season.
A total of sixteen teams contested the league, including eleven sides from the 1980–81 season, one club relegated from the 1980–81 Yugoslav First League and four sides promoted from the Inter-Republic Leagues played in the 1980–81 season.
The four clubs promoted to the second level were Liria, Mogren, Pobeda and Timok.