The 1997 Russian Second League was the sixth edition of the Second Division. There were 3 zones with 61 teams starting the competition (3 were excluded before the end of the season). This was the last season that the professional Russian Third League existed. Next season the Second League became the lowest professional level once again.
Source: RSSSF (A) Advance to a further round; (R) Relegated Notes:
^FC Avtozapchast Baksan did not play on national level in 1998.
^FC Energiya Pyatigorsk was excluded from the league after playing 22 games and gaining 13 points (it also won a game against FC Gatchina, who were excluded from the league earlier). All the remaining games were awarded to the opponents with a score of 3-0.
^FC Gatchina was excluded from the league after playing 16 games and gaining 18 points. All their results were discarded. They did not play on national level in 1998.
^FC Dynamo-Zhemchuzhina-2 Sochi was excluded from the league after playing 7 games and gaining 3 points. All their results were discarded. They did not play on national level in 1998.