§1What this business is
Plaster of Paris mixed with fibres is cast on polished marble slabs set on wooden tables, with oil to release the boards. The boards are used for false ceilings and wall work in theatres, hotels, restaurants, sweet shops, jewellery shops and halls. They also improve room acoustics.
Capacity: Production worth ₹4.34 L a year at full capacity (quantity not printed).
§2Is it right for you?
Who it is for
A POP craftsman or interior contractor who wants to make their own boards.
Who it is not for
Someone with no link to builders or interior contractors.
Advantages
- Very low investment
- Hand process — no heavy machines
- Demand from shops, hotels, halls and offices
- Adds decoration and better acoustics
Drawbacks
- Gypsum-board makers compete
- Boards break easily in transport
- Bulk orders depend on contractors
- Old profile — prices need checking
Skills you need
- Casting POP on marble slabs
- Design and mould making
- Network of interior contractors
- Careful packing
Why difficulty 1/5: Tiny investment and a hand process.
§3Market
Who buys
- Theatres, hotels, restaurants and conference halls
- Sweet shops and jewellery showrooms
- Commercial complexes and offices
How it sells
- Interior and building contractors
- Direct orders from shop and hall owners
Good to know
- KVIC says bulk buyers must be found among contractors so that a captive market is assured.
- Demand follows the construction sector, especially commercial buildings (KVIC).
§4Raw material & machinery
| Item | Qty | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden tables with polished marble slabs | — | — |
| Tools and other equipment | — | — |
| Equipment (total) | — | ₹35,000 |
From: KVIC Project Profile — Plaster Boards (Roofing) (PMEGP)
- Plaster of Parisraw material ₹2.45 lakh a year at full capacity (KVIC)
- Fibresfor reinforcement
- Lubricating oilto release boards from the slabs
From: KVIC Project Profile — Plaster Boards (Roofing) (PMEGP)
§5Licences & registration
- Udyam
- GST
- Trade licence from the local body
§6Schemes & subsidies
- PMEGPCentralActive15–35% subsidy
- MudraCentralActiveLoan up to ₹20 lakh, no collateral
- CM YUVAUPActiveUp to ₹5 lakh, interest-free
- CGTMSECentralActiveNo collateral, up to ₹10 crore
PMEGP (KVIC profile); MUDRA and CM-YUVA (UP, up to ₹5 L) fit the ₹1.35 L cost; CGTMSE for collateral-free credit.
§7Money
How the investment is worked out: KVIC profile: equipment ₹35,000 (wooden tables with polished marble slabs, tools) + working capital ₹1.00 L = ₹1.35 L. Land own.
Working capital: ₹1.00 L.
Year not printed on the KVIC profile — check current machinery prices.
§8Export potential
Confirm the HS code in the DGFT ITC(HS) lookup before you export
Export council / board: CAPEXIL
- HS codes are from the WCO HS 2022 list; confirm the 8-digit ITC(HS) line with DGFT or your customs broker.
- You need an Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT before the first shipment.
§9Risks — where people fail
- Breakage
- Competition from gypsum boards
- Construction slowdowns
- Late payments
§1030 / 60 / 90-day plan
A general plan that applies to any business. A plan for this business will be added after research.
- Days 1–30: Visit a working plaster of paris ceiling boards unit, ask 10 buyers about price and quantity, and get quotations from 3 suppliers.
- Days 31–60: Udyam and the licences you need (Udyam, GST), a project report (DPR), and the scheme or loan file.
- Days 61–90: Space and machines, trial production, and first deliveries to 10 customers.
§11Who to connect with
Associations, clusters and training institutes — the directory is being built. Connect
§12Watch
There is no episode on this business yet. Shows are coming soon on the Podcast page.
Want to start Plaster of Paris Ceiling Boards?
DPR, loan file or registration — ask us on WhatsApp.
¶Sources
Data review: 6 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Report it. For information only — not legal or financial advice.