The men's lightweight double sculls competition at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Georgia, USA took place at Lake Lanier.

All other boats progress to the repechage round, which offers a second chance to qualify for the semi-finals.

Unsuccessful boats from the repechage must proceed to final C, which determines places 13-18.

The best three boats in each of the two semi-finals qualify for final A, which determines places 1–6 (including the medals).

In 3rd and 4th Semi-finals, the last place finisher was eliminated and the remaining boats advanced to Final C.