Cement is the glue of every building, and Rajasthan is one of India's biggest cement-producing states. Buying it is easy; buying the right type and keeping it fresh needs a little care.
OPC, PPC and PSC in simple words
- OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) 43 and 53 grade gains strength fast. Used where early strength matters, and in many RMC mixes.
- PPC (Portland Pozzolana Cement) contains fly ash. It gains strength more slowly but ends strong, produces less heat and is good for plaster, masonry and most general concrete.
- PSC (Portland Slag Cement) contains slag; useful for foundations and aggressive soils.
Always follow the type and grade your structural engineer specifies.
Read the bag
- BIS mark and the relevant IS standard.
- Week and year of manufacture; use within about three months.
- 50 kg net weight; weigh a few bags at random on large orders.
- Bag should be intact and free of lumps.
How much to stock
Order for one or two weeks of work at a time. Large stocks age, get damp and tie up money.
Storage
- Store on a raised wooden platform or plastic sheet, 30 cm away from walls.
- Stack up to about ten bags high, close together, covered with tarpaulin.
- First in, first out: use the older bags first.
Tip:Cement that has formed hard lumps that do not break between fingers has started to set. Do not use it in structural concrete.
GST and invoice
Always take a GST invoice that shows the brand, type, quantity and rate. Cement attracts GST at the rate notified for it; check the invoice and keep it for warranty and records.
Frequently asked questions
Which cement is best for a roof slab?
Both OPC 53 and PPC are used for slabs. Follow your engineer's specification; for RMC, the plant designs the mix to the grade you order.
Can old cement be used?
Cement older than about three months may lose strength. Use it for non-structural work only after testing, or return it to the dealer.
How many bags come in a truck?
Trucks commonly carry from about 200 to over 500 bags depending on their size. Ask the dealer for the vehicle size that can reach your site.
This article is general information, written in November 2026, and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, rates and limits change; please confirm the current position with the authority concerned or a qualified professional before you act.
