The results of a UBV CCD photometric study of the cluster IC 4996 are presented. We obtain new values for the cluster parameters: E(B-V)=0.71+/-0.08, V_0_-M_V_=11.9+/-0.1, and age=(7.5+/-3)x10^6^yr. The combined evidence from the photometric diagrams suggests the presence of a number of premain-sequence (PMS) cluster members with spectral types ~A0 to F5. The interpretation of these objects as PMS candidates is further supported by independent results from CCD uvbyH{beta} observations. If confirmed, these stars would bridge the existing gap in the sample of PMS stars, between the coolest Herbig AeBe stars (HAeBe), and the hottest T Tauri stars. These PMS candidates are located some 0.5 and 1 mag above the main sequence in the V-(B-V) diagram, around the location of spectral types AF. This feature, together with their locations in the (U-B)-(B-V) diagram and the interpretation that they are PMS members, suggest an additional reddening law with a slope {alpha}=E(U-B)/E(B-V)~0.55, probably caused by circumstellar material.