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To comprehend the seismic vulnerability of a particular region, seismic damage assessment of a large number of buildings needs to be conducted. However, a realistic representation of structural damage can only be obtained through post-earthquake field observations and reconnaissance survey reports. Post-earthquake damage survey reports for Nepal (Gorkha) earthquake (2015) and Imphal (India) earthquake (2016) presented in this study are utilized to give an overall idea about the nature of seismic damage prevalent for the widespread civil engineering infrastructural developments in the particular geographical regions. Further, the study applies the existing rapid visual screening (RVS) schemes for predicting seismic vulnerability of the structures to judge the sanctity of the schemes. An extensive state-of-the-art review of the existing RVS schemes reported in the literature is presented. A comparative study exhibiting the efficacy of the existing RVS schemes is conducted on the basis of damage survey reports obtained from the Nepal and Imphal earthquakes. Finally, a modified RVS scheme is proposed here for seismic damage assessment of masonry and low-rise reinforced concrete buildings located in hilly regions of the Indian subcontinent and other developing countries. Excerpts from the study can be useful for researchers and practising engineers to perform seismic damage assessment of buildings using the proposed RVS scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]