1995–96 Swiss 1. Liga

The '''1995–96 Swiss 1. Liga''' was the 64th season of this league since its creation in 1931. At this time, the 1. Liga was the third tier of the Swiss football league system and it was the highest level of amateur football.

Format
There were 56 clubs in the 1. Liga, divided into four regional groups of 14 teams. Within each group, the teams would play a double round-robin to decide their league position. The four group winners and the four runners-up then contested a play-off for the two promotion slots. The two last placed teams in each group were directly relegated to the 2. Liga (fourth tier). The four third-last placed teams would compete a play-out against the ninth relegation place.

Decider
The decider for second position in the table was played 21 May 1996 in Stadio Comunale Bellinzona.

 FC Ascona advance to play-offs.

Qualification round
 AC Bellinzona win 2–1 on aggregate and continue to the finals.

 FC Gossau win 5–4 on aggregate and continue to the finals.

'' 1–1 on aggregate. FC Renens win 6–5 in penalties and continue to the finals.''

 FC Meyrin win 2–0 on aggregate and continue to the finals.

Final round
 FC Gossau win 4–0 on aggregate and are promoted to Nationalliga B.

 FC Meyrin win 8–4 on aggregate and are promoted to Nationalliga B.

Relegation play-out
The first round in the play-outs were played on 25 May as single legged semi-finals on neutral grounds. The first match at the Linthstrasse in Tuggen and the other at the Stadion Gurzelen in Biel/Bienne. The final was played two legged at home and away.

First round
 FC Emmenbrücke continue to the finals.

 Vevey Sports continue to the finals.

Final round
'' Vevey Sports win 7–2 on aggregate and remain in the 1. Liga. FC Emmenbrücke are relegated to 2. Liga.''