The present study proposes a novel and simplified methodology to assess the seismic bearing capacity (SBC) of a shallow strip footing by incorporating strength non-linearity arising due to partial saturation of a soil matrix. Furthermore, developed methodology incorporates the modal response analysis of soil layers to assess SBC. A constant matric suction distribution profile has been considered throughout the depth of the soil. The Van Genuchten equation and corresponding fitting parameters have been considered to quantify matric suction in the analysis. SBC has been obtained for three different geomaterials; viz. sand, fly ash and clay, based on their predominant grain size and diverse soil water characteristics curve (SWCC) attributes. Variation of SBC with different modes of vibration and damping ratio are reported for ranges of matric suction pertinent to the geomaterials considered in the study. The relative significance of matric suction on SBC has been reported for suction values within the transition zone of each geomaterial. It is observed that the SBC of sand is drastically reduced, with matric suction reaching beyond the residual suction value. The SBC of fly ash remains constant beyond the residual suction value, whereas the SBC of clay shows an increasing trend toward the practical range of matric suction values.