The founders of NSET had outlined the objectives of the organization while during its very inception. The goal was “to foster the advancement of science and practice of earthquake engineering and technology for mitigating the earthquake risk and increasing the seismic safety, to enhance professionalism, professional engineering and scientific ethics and to further the objectives of the International Association for Earthquake Engineering as applicable to Nepal.”  NSET's Charter approved by the District Administration Office of Kathmandu on April 28, 1994 lists the following objectives:

• To raise public awareness in order to reduce loss of lives and damages caused by earthquakes;
• To contribute towards the development and use of science and technology related to earthquakes;
• To play an active role in safeguarding the country against earthquakes and to reduce earthquake risk by developing and implementing scientific measures;
• To encourage professionalism and scientific ethics in the sector; and
• To further the objectives and policies of the International Association for Earthquake Engineering as applicable to Nepal, and
• To provide emergency assistance to communities impacted by an earthquake.

NSET's Statute has been amended twice since registration but its main focus remains unchanged. It also has an indicative list of activities of the organization, which are summarized as follows:

• Establish coordination between different Nepali government and non-governmental agencies working in the area of seismic safety, provide assistance to and seek help from such agencies, represent Nepal in the national/international arena on earthquake technology;
• Develop cooperation with other professional national/international societies and work in close association and coordination towards seismic safety, improving professional standards, discipline and ethics;
• Facilitate studies, undertake research and actions in earthquake technology including geology, geophysics, seismology, earthquake engineering, architecture, civil engineering, urban planning, water resources engineering, earthquake hazard preparedness and disaster management;
• Organize scientific meetings, seminars and training programs;
• Develop international linkages with similar agencies for facilitating an effective flow of information and serve as a node in the international network for seismic safety;
• Provide advice and assistance to national educational institutions in the development and upgrading of curricula;
• Provide advice and assistance to the national disaster reduction institutions for developing, upgrading and implementing earthquake risk  reduction programs;