Synopsis – Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India are transforming into hubs for innovation, analytics, and technology development. This article explores the different types of GCCs ranging from IT and R&D to finance and engineering.
Global Capability Centres (GCC) are offshore units created by multinational corporations for vital capabilities such as IT, research and development (R&D), analytics, finance, and customer service. India is home to more than 50% of the global GCCs, to more than 1,600 GCCs, employing 1.6 million professionals as of 2025. This can only happen in India because of the talent pool and tech ecosystem. In this article, we will review the classification of GCCs in India, understand their core functions, and examine their emerging strategic importance.
Why is India the Global Home for GCCs
- India has a vast supply of skilled, english speaking workforce with an increasingly sophisticated knowledge base in technology and engineering enabling global delivery.
- India is immensely cost competitive, and has done a great job providing quality delivery.
- India has substantial digital capabilities, digital infrastructure and a startup ecosystem that has an open GCC environment for innovation.
- The Indian government has multiple active policies favoring the growth of digital transformation initiatives, research and development and skills development initiatives.
- Leading locations of GCCs are located in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai and Gurugram
Varieties of Global Capability Centres in India
1. IT and Technology Support Centres
- Focus: Software development, application management, cyber security, and cloud computing.
- Examples of companies: Infosys, TCS, Wipro, IBM Global Services, etc.
- Value of the business: Central to digitalize infrastructure and support existing or grow enterprise IT ecosystems that innovate and maintain their competitive position.
2. Research and Development (R&D) Centres
- Focus: Innovating products, engineering solutions, researching the application of AI and ML, prototyping.
- Examples of companies: Google, Microsoft, Tata Consultancy Services R&D, Bosch, etc.
- Value of the business: To drive new technology creation and patent filing, and generate products that are prepared for the future.
3. Analytics and Data Sciences Centres
- Focus: Big data analytics, business intelligence, predictive modelling.
- Examples of companies: Capgemini, EY, Genpact, Mu Sigma.
- The value of this business: To assist global MNCs in making data driven decisions for customer personalization.
4. Finance and Accounting Centres
- Focus: Accounting, auditing, financial reporting, treasury.
- Examples of companies: JPMorgan Chase, Citibank, Standard Chartered, Deloitte.
- The value of this business: cost effective finance management, ensuring global compliance and controls.
Also read: Top GCCs in India by Revenue (2025): Who’s Leading the Race?
5. Human Resources (HR) and Talent Management Centres
- Focus: Recruiting, payroll, employee engagement, training.
- Examples of companies: ADP, Accenture, Capita, Randstad.
- The value of this business: centralization of global HR functions with an improved experience for employees.
6. Customer Experience and Service Support Centres
- Focus: Customer Experience, customer service, technical/ product support, managing sales operations.
- Examples of companies: Amazon, Apple, Genpact, Concentrix, etc.
- Value of the business: To deliver end-user support and enable customer satisfaction in a borderless market.
7. Multi-Functional or Integrated GCCs
- Focus: Bringing together IT, analytics, finance, HR, and customer service in one location.
- Examples of companies: Accenture, Cognizant, IBM, Capgemini, etc.
- Value of the business: Increase operational efficiencies, exhibit labs to develop innovation, and provide a holistic digital transformation.
Major GCC Locations in India
- Bengaluru: Centre for AI, advanced software application development, and R&D innovation.
- Hyderabad: Pharmaceuticals, tech services and data analytics.
- Pune: Manufacturing IT, fintech, and process innovation.
- Gurugram: Concentrated BFSI, consulting services, supplemented by tech-led back-office functions.
- Chennai: Automotive engineering, IT, and manufacturing targeted services.
- Tier 2 cities: New emerging GCC locations Coimbatore/Kochi/Ahmedabad.
Future Trends in the GCC Ecosystem
- Increased focus on AI-driven automation and digital twin technologies to manage smart enterprises.
- Hybrid-based shared services/incrementality labs and outsourcing units.
- Increased focus on ESG/cyber/cloud-based to destinations.
- Increased partnerships with Indian start-ups and universities to deliver technological innovation.
Conclusion
With changing technology and greater policy support, India’s GCC environment will further deepen its global strategic importance with continued growth, innovation and economic benefit.
Written By Rachna Rajput