Slow cyclic testing will continue to be used for its simplicity, affordability and, more importantly, for its versatility. This simplified technique provides a consistent and reliable set of experimental data on strength, stiffness, energy dissipation potential, and failure mode which help assess a structure’s ability to resist earthquake loads. The majority of design equations and procedures included in various codes throughout the world have their basis in databases generated through this experimental technique. Careful planning of the entire test program is essential for obtaining meaningful results, which includes fabrication of test specimen, test structure assembly, load application system, loading history, instrumentation, data acquisition, reduction, analysis, and presentation. If the simulation of proper boundary effects, initial conditions, scale effects, etc., are not addressed in sufficient detail, it may be difficult, or impossible, to interpret the test results. Finally, the amount of experimental earthquake engineering research in India is meagre, despite the fact that many indigenous structural systems for housing needs and many construction practices have been repeatedly shown to be vulnerable in earthquakes. In addition, many widely used construction features are likely to have questionable performance, due to the lack of any experimental verification. This is why it is important for India to establish many relatively inexpensive, slow cyclic testing facilities to bridge the gap between the “expected” and the “observed” behaviour.