Top 10 Cement Brands in India – Types of Cement & Latest Rates
Let’s be honest – when it comes to cement, most people either ask their contractor or buy whatever the local dealer has. But choosing the right cement isn’t something you want to leave to chance, whether you’re building your home or managing a site. Knowing the top cement brands in India, understanding which type of cement suits your work, and keeping track of cement rates can save you a lot of headaches later.
Here’s a practical look at India’s biggest cement players – not just names from a list, but how they’re seen on real sites, with actual workers.
1. JK Cement
In places like Rajasthan, Delhi, and even parts of Maharashtra, JK Cement is a name workers trust. Why? Their bags consistently show up fresh and reliable. JK Cement makes all the regular types – OPC, PPC, PSC – but it’s their white cement that many painters and tile setters swear by. If you’re doing plaster or any decorative work, chances are someone will ask for JK’s white cement.
Cement price? Usually starting around INR 250/ 25 kg bag to INR 420 per bag, depending on where you’re buying.
2. UltraTech Cement
Ask any contractor handling bigger sites, and UltraTech will pop up in conversation. From housing projects to metro stations, UltraTech bags are common. Their OPC 53-grade cement is often used for columns and slabs, while their PPC cement is good for general brickwork and plastering.
Not the cheapest –Ultracement Price starting at INR 355/ 50 kg bag to INR 450 per bag – but many engineers prefer paying extra for the consistency, especially in high-rise work.
3. Ambuja Cement
In many parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra, Ambuja is almost a household name when it comes to cement. Its PPC cement mixes smoothly, making it a favourite for plastering and wall work. Contractors like it for its ease of use – less chance of cracks showing up later.
Ambuja’s cement rates usually fall in the INR 290/ 50 KG bag– INR 420 range, making it an affordable yet trusted option for residential projects.
4. Shree Cement
Not as heavily advertised as UltraTech, but on-ground sites — especially in North India — Shree Cement is everywhere. It’s known as a ‘no-nonsense’ brand: reliable OPC and PPC, competitive rates, and solid after-sales support.
Price-wise, you’re looking at INR 300/ 50 KG bag to INR 410 per bag, making it a budget-friendly yet quality choice for contractors running mid-size projects.
5. ACC Cement
An old name in the Indian market, ACC Cement is what many older masons trust blindly. Their OPC 43 and PPC types are often used interchangeably on site, depending on stock availability.
Their rates? Starting at INR 311/ 50 KG bag to INR 430 per bag, roughly. Not the cheapest, but its all-India presence means even remote sites can get ACC without much hassle.
6. Dalmia Cement
Head to Odisha, Bihar, or Tamil Nadu, and Dalmia is a familiar name. It’s known for its PSC cement – ideal in coastal or chemically-exposed environments. For general home building, their PPC does the job just fine.
Dalmia’s cement price usually starts at INR 290/ 50 KG bag to INR 400 per bag – a solid middle-ground option when balancing budget with durability.
7. Ramco Cement
Ramco Cement is the go-to in South India. Contractors working in Chennai or Kochi usually ask for Ramco when doing work near the sea, thanks to their corrosion-resistant properties. Their PSC cement works especially well in coastal conditions.
Expect to pay a starting price of around INR 270 to INR 410 per bag. Not flashy, but dependable.
8. Birla Cement
Birla Cement (from the MP Birla group) is popular in central Indian regions – think Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. They offer standard OPC and PPC options, good for home building or small commercial sites. Also known for Birla White – a favourite for flooring or decorative plaster.
Cement rates? Starting at around INR 310–INR 415 per bag.
9. India Cements
If you’re working in Telangana or Andhra Pradesh, India Cements is likely what your local dealer stocks. Known for being affordable yet reliable, it serves the day-to-day needs of small contractors and homebuilders.
Basic OPC and PPC cements are what they focus on, with rates around INR 350 to INR 400 per bag – a good option when you’re managing tight site budgets.
10. Nuvoco Vistas
You might know it as Lafarge from a few years ago. Nuvoco Vistas is building its name again, especially in Eastern India. Their PPC cement is often recommended for general construction, and they’re gradually expanding into more markets.
Cement Pricing? INR 300 to INR 480, roughly, depending on demand and transport costs.
Types Of Cement
At the end of the day, cement is what holds your building together. But not all cement is the same. Different work needs different cement — simple as that.
- OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement):
This is what you’ll see on most structural jobs. Beams, slabs, columns — OPC is used where strength matters. You’ll hear about 43-grade and 53-grade. Most engineers ask for 53-grade if they want faster strength. - PPC (Portland Pozzolana Cement):
For things like plastering and brickwork, PPC is common. It sets a little slower but lasts longer. Many people prefer it for general work like walls and masonry. It’s also a bit easier on the environment. - PSC (Portland Slag Cement):
In coastal areas or near factories, you’ll see PSC being used. It handles salt and chemicals better. It’s mixed with slag from steel plants, which also makes it good for long-term durability. - White Cement:
Not for structure — this is for looks. It’s used for wall finishes, tiles, and decorative work. JK Cement’s white cement is popular for this purpose.
If you mix things up and use the wrong cement, you’ll either see cracks or get weak structures. So, always check with your site engineer or an experienced mason before buying. Better to ask now than repair later.
How to Choose?
Here’s the truth – no single brand is ‘best.’ The right cement depends on:
- Your location
- The type of cement you need (PPC for plaster, OPC for structure, PSC for near coastal areas)
- Local stock availability
- Freshness of cement bags (this matters more than the logo on the bag!)
And yes, cement price should be considered, but saving INR 5 per bag isn’t worth risking weak walls.
Why Do Cement Rates Change So Often?
Like petrol, cement rates move almost weekly in some areas. Why? Diesel price hikes, seasonal demand (April-June is peak building time), and supply chain disruptions all play a role. So, check with at least two local dealers before buying.
Whether you’re building a dream home or supervising a commercial site, the cement you choose becomes the bones of your structure. Know the Top 10 Best cement brands in india, choose the correct type of cement, and keep an eye on cement rates in your area.
Remember, in construction, what’s buried in concrete today shows up as cracks (or strength) tomorrow.
FAQs
1. Which type of cement should I pick for my house?
For the heavy work – your columns, slabs, and beams – stick to OPC, usually 53-grade. For brickwork and plaster, PPC is enough. In coastal areas or chemical zones, PSC is safer. That’s what most site engineers will tell you. Don’t overthink it – just match the type of cement to the job, and you’ll be fine.
2. Do cement prices change often?
Too often! Cement rates are like petrol – one week it’s ₹380, next week ₹400. Diesel price, transport, and demand – all affect rates. Peak season (summer months, especially) can hike prices ₹15–₹20 per bag without warning. Always check with your local dealer before ordering.
3. Which brand is best for plaster and tile work?
If you’re doing tiling or wall finishes, you’ll want white cement. JK Cement’s white cement is what most workers ask for. Birla White is another good option. For general plaster, PPC cement from any decent brand – JK, Ambuja, Ramco – will do. No need to overpay here. Just make sure the bags are fresh.