For designing structures in seismic zones, two conditions must be examined. For smaller earthquake shocks which are expected frequently, the structure must remain within elastic limit and for the largest size of earthquake expected only once or twice during its life time, the structure could be expected to dissipate energy through its elastic and inelastic deformations. However, for both these conditions one could proceed for design only if an accelerogram of design earthquake shock is available. The instrumental data available for this country is too meagre to meet the varying situations in the seismic zones. However, with the available data for other countries, it is possible to draw certain conclusions which provide useful guidance in deciding about the choice of parameters for design earthquake. The classical average spectrum curves proposed by Housner (5) have been adopted by many countries where seismic instrumentation data is not available. The choice of multiplying factor for the average spectra has, however, been based largely on the experience of the designer. In fact it is very difficult to take into account the wide variations in the geological conditions of the different sites in seismic zones for estimating the multiplying factor. However, it is possible to work out such factors for generally firm ground conditions. One such method to estimate multiplying factor for a site in seismic zone was recently suggested by the author (1). However, in case it is desired to go in for a more detailed investigation of structural response or when it is desired to study inelastic response, the accelerogram of the design earthquake will be required. Obviously such data can never be available before hand and the designer will have to make a choice of accelerogram. The present paper suggests a method to choose an accelerogram for use at a particular site based on the seismotectonic features of the area around the site in question. Description of the method follows.