Reinforced concrete (RC) columns in a framed construction can be severely damaged under earthquake, blast, fatigue and other loads. It is essential to quickly restore the strength and stiffness of columns after its damage for maintaining the serviceability of the building. The objective of this study is to assess the efficiency of different strengthening techniques on emergency repair of the severely damaged RC columns under axial compression. Six short RC columns elements were cast and tested under axial compression until 20% drop in the peak strength. Thereafter, these severely damaged columns were repaired using strengthening schemes, namely (i) repairing the damaged portions using quick setting cement mortar, (ii) Near Surface Mounting (NSM) of CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) laminates and (iii) Hybrid strengthening technique. The hybrid strengthening technique uses the combination of CFRP NSM laminates as additional longitudinal reinforcement and external bonding with CFRP fabric for confinement. The hybrid strengthening scheme was found to be the most efficient in restoring the lost strength and initial stiffness when compared to the only NSM strengthening or repair with quick setting cement mortar. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd