Here is a list of the top 10 best-quality and most-used cement brands for construction in India, including the latest price updates for each brand. This detailed guide covers essential factors to consider when purchasing cement, how to conduct quality checks, and the different grades of cement to help you make an informed decision for building your dream home or project.

And you know what??
India is the world’s second-largest producer of high-quality cement.
With that lets get started…

Top 10 Cement brands in India

1.Ramco

Ramco Cement, established in 1961 and based in Chennai, is a major Indian cement manufacturer with a 21 MTPA capacity. It offers high-quality products like Ramco Supergrade Cement, PPC, OPC, and Rapid Hardening Cement. Part of the Ramco Group, it operates five plants, six grinding units, and one packing terminal across India, ensuring reliable nationwide supply.

Ramco Cements had been given Green Champion Award, on the 6th June 2022 in connection with the World Environment Day Celebration 

• Price –
  • Ramco OPC cement – INR 420 to INR 460 per 50 kg bag
  • Ramco PPC cement – INR 380 to INR 420 per 50 kg bag

2.UltraTech Cement

UltraTech Cement, part of the Aditya Birla Group, is India’s largest and the world’s third-largest cement producer with an annual capacity of 116.75 million tonnes. Acquired by Grasim Industries in 2004, UltraTech offers high-quality products like Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), and Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement (PSC). Known for its innovation and sustainability, its Ultratech OPC 43 Grade Cement is a top choice for various construction projects.

• Price –
  • UltraTech OPC cement – INR 450 to INR 500 per 50 kg bag
  • UltraTech PPC cement – INR 400 to INR 450 per 50 kg bag

3.Ambuja Cement

Ambuja Cement, part of the Holcim Group, is one of India’s largest cement companies, known for eco-friendly products and a strong presence in western India.Committed to sustainability, Ambuja focuses on environmental protection, energy conservation, and social responsibility, offering Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), and Ready Mix Concrete. Its wide plant network and robust distribution ensure broad availability across India. Ambuja has earned awards for excellence in water management, corporate social responsibility, and energy conservation.

• Price –
  • Ambuja OPC cement – INR 450 to INR 500 per 50 kg bag
  • Ambuja PPC cement – INR 400 to INR 450 per 50 kg bag

4.ACC Cement

ACC Limited, based in Mumbai and a subsidiary of Ambuja Cements within the Adani group, is a leading cement manufacturer in India with a pan-India presence Built up in 1936, ACC has played a critical part in major ventures like the Bhakra Nangal Dam and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The company produces Ordinary Portland Cement, Portland Pozzolana Cement, and Portland Slag Cement, with ACC Gold Water Shield Cement being a top seller. Known for its innovative solutions and sustainable practices, ACC operates 17 cement factories and over 50 RMC plants, maintaining a strong network of manufacturing plants, R&D centers, and sales offices across the country.

• Price –
  • ACC OPC cement – Rs. 360 to Rs. 460 per 50 kg bag
  • ACC PPC cement – Rs. 350 to Rs. 470 per 50 kg bag

5.Shree Cement

Shree Cement, established in 1979 in Beawar, Rajasthan, and headquartered in Kolkata, is one of Northern India’s largest cement manufacturers. With a market cap over USD 20 billion, it produces a range of products, including Shree Jung Rodhak Cement (SJRC), OPC, PPC, and SRC. Known for eco-friendly practices and innovation, Shree Cement operates multiple units across India, with a production capacity exceeding 50 MTPA, and has received numerous awards for quality, sustainability, and corporate governance.

• Price –
  • Shree OPC cement – INR 450 to INR 50 per 50 kg bag
  • Shree PPC cement – INR 400 to INR 450 per 50 kg bag

6.Dalmia Cement

Dalmia Cement, founded in 1939 and based in New Delhi, is a leading Indian cement manufacturer with a significant market share. Known for super-specialty cement, it has acquired Adhunik and Calcom Cement and holds a 74% stake in OCL India Ltd. Operating 14 factories and grinding units across 10 states with a capacity of 35.9 MTPA, Dalmia Cement serves over 22 states through 33,000 dealers. Key products include OPC 43, OPC 53, DSP Cement, and PPC Cement. Part of the Dalmia Bharat Group, it is recognized for its high-quality, durable cement.

• Price –
  • Dalmia OPC cement – INR 375 to INR 425 per 50 kg bag
  • Dalmia PPC cement – INR 390 to INR 450 per 50 kg bag

7.Birla Cement

Birla Cement, part of the Aditya Birla Group and founded in 1969, is known for high-quality products like Birla Cement Samrat. It offers various types including Unique, Perfect Plus, and Khajuraho. Headquartered in Mumbai, it operates advanced manufacturing plants across India for a consistent supply. Originally focused on jute, Birla Corporation Limited has diversified into cement and other industries.

• Price –
  • Birla OPC cement – INR 330 to INR 380 per 50 kg bag
  • Birla PPC cement – INR 360 to INR 400 per 50 kg bag

8.Jk Cement

JK Cement Ltd, established in 1975, is a leading Indian cement manufacturer known for its grey and white cement products. With facilities in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, it produces OPC, PPC, and White Cement. Its flagship product, JK Super Cement, is an OPC 53 grade ideal for high-strength applications. Part of the JK Organisation, JK Cement has a capacity of over 18 MTPA and operates a white cement plant in Fujairah, UAE, renowned for high-grade cement and wall putty products.

• Price –
  • JK cement – Rs. 400 to Rs. 450 per 50 kg bag

9.India cements

India Cements, founded in 1946 and headquartered in Chennai is a leading cement manufacturer in India with a capcity of 15.5 MTPA. It operates eight integrated plants and two grinding units across Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Known for products like Coromandel King PPC Cement, Sankar Super Power, and Raasi Gold, the company offers a range of cements for various construction needs. India Cements emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendly practices in its production processes.

• Price –
  • India OPC cement – INR 395 to INR 430 per 50 kg bag
  • India PPC cement – INR 385 to INR 420 per 50 kg bag

10.Zuari Cement

Zuari Cement, based in Mumbai and part of the Italcementi Group, has been operating since 2006. With plants in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the company offers a variety of cement products. Its flagship product, Zuari OPC 53 Grade Cement, is noted for high strength, durability, and quick setting, making it suitable for commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects. Zuari Cement also produces Zuari PPC and Zuari PSC for diverse construction needs.

• Price –
  • Zuari OPC cement – INR 430 to INR 460 per 50 kg bag
  • Zuari PPC cement – INR 390 to INR 420 per 50 kg bag

Please note – The pricing may vary based on factors such as location, demand, and supply

What are the major types of cement?

The two most preferred cement types for home construction are –
1.Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
2.Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)

1.Ordinary Portland Cement(OPC):

• One of the advantages of this cement is that it attains strength in a very short period. OPC is classified into three types based on its grade, which is determined by its compressive strength.
  • OPC 33: This type of cement has a compressive strength of 33MPa after 28 days (about 4 weeks). It is suitable for various construction purposes, especially masonry and plastering.
  • OPC 43: With a compressive strength of 43MPa after 28 days, OPC 43 is used for high-strength concrete projects.
  • OPC 53: OPC 53 has a compressive strength of 53MPa after 28 days. It is commonly used for demanding construction projects like precast concrete, prestressed concrete, bridges, and tall buildings.

2.Portland Pozzolana Cement(PPC):

• PPC finds its application in various construction areas. It is commonly used for masonry mortars and plastering, thanks to its ability to provide a superior surface finish. Moreover, PPC is favored in the construction of decorative and art structures.

• The classification of PPC includes the following categories:
  • PPC fly ash based: The fly ash component should be between 15% and 35% of the mass of PPC.
  • PPC calcined clay based: The total pozzolana content should be between 10% and 25% of the mass of PPC.

Which cement is best, OPC or PPC for house construction?

While PPC (Portland Pozzolana Cement) has lower initial strength compared to OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement), it develops greater long-term strength, making it suitable for standalone houses, schools, and residential slabs. Although OPC offers good strength, PPC often matches or surpasses it over time and may be more durable in certain conditions.

What are the factors to consider while buying cement for house construction?

Here are the factors that you need to consider while buying cement for your dream construction

1.Type of Cement

Different construction projects need various types of cement, such as Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), and Rapid-Hardening Cement. Choose the type that best fits your project’s specific requirements.

2.Grade of Cement

Cement grades, such as OPC 33, OPC 43, and OPC 53, indicate its strength. OPC 53 sets quickly and is ideal for projects requiring high early strength, like high-rise buildings. In contrast, OPC 43 is more durable and suited for general construction like plastering and masonry. Choose the grade based on the strength and structural requirements of your project.

3.Brand Reputation

Choose reputable brands with a strong track record for quality and reliability, as they are more likely to provide consistent and reliable cement that meets standards.

4.Certification

Check for the Indian Standards (IS) mark on cement bags or approvals from relevant authorities, which confirm that the cement meets quality and safety standards.

5.Storage Conditions

Store cement in a dry, elevated area and check that it is fresh, ideally not older than three months. Avoid buying cement close to its expiration date to prevent strength loss and ensure quality.

How to check the quality of the cement used for construction? – In a very Simple ways

Here are the few simple ways by which you can determine the quality of cement

1.Cement Color & odour test:

Ensure the cement has a consistent light greenish-grey color, indicating proper processing. Uniform color suggests quality, while dark greenish shades could mean too much lime or clay. Quality cement should also be odorless; an earthy smell may indicate excess clay and sand.

2.Cement freshness test:

Put your hand into the cement bag to check if it feels cold, indicating freshness. Additionally, take a pinch of cement and rub it between your fingers; it should feel smooth without any grittiness.

3.Rubbing Test:

Rub a small amount of cement between your fingers; it should feel smooth and fine. If it’s rough, it likely contains too much sand or impurities. A smooth texture indicates well-processed, high-quality cement.

4.Lumps inspection:

When you open a cement bag, check for any lumps. Lumps indicate that the cement has been exposed to moisture. Reject any bag with lumps, as it can compromise the integrity of your construction.

5.Date of Packaging:

Check the manufacturing date on the cement bag, typically found on the back or side, and ensure it is within 90 days of the manufacturing date to maintain its strength.

If stored for more than three months, cement should be retested per IS specifications to ensure it meets quality and strength standards.

6.Floating Test:

Perform a float test by tossing some cement into a bucket of water. High-quality cement will briefly float before sinking, indicating proper density and purity.

7.Consistency test:

Conduct a consistency check by mixing 100 grams of cement with water to form a stiff paste. Shape the paste into a cake with sharp edges and submerge it in water. After 24 hours, the cake should retain its original shape and gain some strength. If it doesn’t, consider replacing the cement.

Which grade of cement is best for house construction?

Historically, Grades 33 and 43 were commonly used, but Grade 53 is now recommended for house construction per IS standards. Grade 53 cement provides superior strength and durability, making it ideal for structural projects with high load-bearing requirements, such as bridges, high-rise buildings, and heavy infrastructure.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cement for your dream home is crucial and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Factors like cement type, location, climate, construction type, budget, testing, certification, and brand reputation are all important. Given India’s varied conditions, these considerations ensure your home’s durability and strength.

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