The 1982 1. divisjon was the 38th completed season of top division football in Norway.
22 games were played with 2 points given for wins and 1 for draws. Number eleven and twelve were relegated. The winners of the two groups of the 2. divisjon were promoted, as well as the winner of a series of play-off matches between number ten in the First Division and the two second-placed teams in the two groups of the 2. divisjon.
Viking won the championship, their seventh title.
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The qualification play-off matches were contested between Fredrikstad (10th in the 1. divisjon), Eik (2nd in the 2. divisjon - Group A), and Steinkjer (2nd in the 2. divisjon - Group B). Eik won both their games and were promoted to the 1. divisjon.