1996–97 Torneo Argentino A

The 1996–97 Argentine Torneo Argentino A was the second season of third division professional football in Argentina. A total of 22 teams competed; the champion was promoted to Primera B Nacional.

Zone A
Play their home games at Estadio José María Minella.

First stage
!colspan="5"|Relegation/promotion playoff 1

!colspan="5"|Relegation/promotion playoff 2

!colspan="5"|Relegation/promotion playoff 3


 * CAI is relegated to 1997–98 Torneo Argentino B and Germinal advances to Second Stage by winning the playoff.
 * Desamparados is relegated to 1997–98 Torneo Argentino B and Alvarado advances to Second Stage by winning the playoff.
 * San Martín (F) withdrew and is relegated to 1997–98 Torneo Argentino B and Unión Santiago advances to Second Stage by winning the playoff.