The objective of the present study is to compare the behaviour of exterior beam-column joint sub assemblages with transverse reinforcements detailed as per IS 456:2000 and IS 13920: 1993. One six storeyed RC building in zone III is analysed and one of the exterior beam-column joints at intermediate storey is designed. The earthquake analysis and design are carried out by incorporating all the modifications as per the proposed revisions of IS 1893 and IS 13920. Four one-third scaled specimens, two detailed as per IS 456 and SP 34 and the other two as per IS 13920 were tested under reverse cyclic loading. The specimens were tested under two different axial loads to evaluate the effect of axial load on the behaviour of joint. The test results indicate that proposed revision for joint design assures the beam failure than the joint failure. Enhancements in the performance of beam-column joints detailed with IS 13920:1993 in reversal of loading were found.