Major parameters that have an influence on the shear strength of beams without shearrnreinforcements identified by many researchers are shear span to depth ratio (a/d), tensilernstrength of concrete (ft), longitudinal reinforcement ratio (Ï), size of beam and presencernof axial force. Effects of load distribution and tapered/variable depth of beam has not givenrngreat concern in many studies as well as in building design codes. Results of experimentalrntests on twelve shear critical beam specimens were presented to study whether the shearrnstrength of beam is affected by type of load distribution as well as tapered/variable depth. rnThe specimens are comprised of six types of beam namely the PC(prismatic beamrnsubjected to central concentrated), HUC(haunched up beam subjected to centralrnconcentrated load), HDC(haunched down beam subjected to central concentrated load),rnPU(prismatic beam subjected to two point load), HUU(haunched up beam subjected torntwo point load) and HDU(haunched down beam subjected to two point load). Two typesrnof load distribution have been taken into consideration; the former three types of beamsrnare subjected to central concentrated load and the later three types of beam are subjectedrnto two-point loads. The varied/tapered shape under consideration is haunched beam. Tworntypes of haunched beams are studied; the haunched up beam and the haunched down beam.rnEach type of beam is casted and tested twice for the perfection of the study. All specimensrnhave the same size h (200 mm), same shear span to depth ratio a/d (2.75) and reinforcementrnratio. The study showed that type of loading has significant effect on the shear resistancernof haunched beams. The type of haunches also has a significant effect on shear resistance.