1996–97 Algerian Championnat National

The 1996–97 Algerian Championnat National was the 35th season of the Algerian Championnat National since its establishment in 1962. A total of 16 teams contested the league, with USM Alger as the defending champions, The Championnat started on october 10, 1996. and ended on June 26, 1997.

Promotion and relegation
Teams promoted from Algerian Division 2 1996-1997
 * ES Mostaganem
 * ES Sétif
 * USM Blida

Teams relegated to Algerian Division 2 1997-1998
 * USM Aïn Beïda
 * NA Hussein Dey
 * WA Mostaganem