The Indian subcontinent has experienced several earthquakes, and the major ones have caused significant damage to the buildings and lifeline structures. Researchers have realized the importance of developing a robust design method which can reduce the probability of occurrence of such damages. This paper discusses the currently followed seismic analysis techniques, their applicability and limitations, as well as the newly emerging displacement-based design methods. There is a need for a paradigm shift from the conventional force-based approach to the more rational displacement-based design methods to limit damages and to get uniform risk structures. Researchers are now focusing on the refinement of these new design methods to make them applicable to all types of buildings, bridges, and other structures.