In the present study a theoretical analysis is presented for determining the stability characteristics of clamped non-homogeneous shells on the elastic foundation subjected to the lateral pressure. The basic equations have been derived for the shell, the Young modulus of which varies exponentially in the thickness direction and rests on the elastic foundation. By applying the Galerkin method to the basic equations, the expressions for the critical lateral pressure of the non-homogeneous shell with or without an elastic foundation are obtained. Finally, the eects of the non-homogeneity, elastic foundation and shell characteristics on the critical lateral pressure have been studied.