The 1996–97 Argentine Primera B Nacional was the 11th season of second division professional of football in Argentina.
A total of 32 teams competed; the champion and runner-up were promoted to Argentine Primera División.
A tiebreaker was played between the teams that finished 4th in their respective zones.
Note: After the series ended 1–1 on aggregate, Gimnasia y Tiro won 3–1 on penalties, promoting to Primera División.
Note: Clubs with indirect affiliation with AFA are relegated to the Torneo Argentino A, while clubs directly affiliated face relegation to Primera B Metropolitana.