Global Capability Centres (GCCs), or Global In-house Centres (GICs), have become an integral part of multinational corporations, handling critical functions like IT, finance, HR, and R&D from strategically located offshore hubs. India, often hailed as the “GCC Capital of the World”, has emerged as the leading destination for these centres, housing 17% of the world’s technology capability centres. As businesses continue to seek cost efficiencies and access to a skilled talent pool, India’s role in the GCC ecosystem is set to expand. According to Nirupama Vellore Ganapathy, an industry expert, “India’s GCC growth is driven by cost savings, access to a large talent pool, and a supportive business environment. While automation and AI may reduce recruitment numbers in the short term, the number of companies setting up GCCs here will continue to grow.”
India, which hosts around 1,600 GCCs today as per the report by Nasscom and Zinnov, titled ‘India GCC Landscape Report – The 5 Year Journey, is set to see this number rise to 1,900 by next year and further grow to up to 2,200 by 2030. This rapid expansion will see the workforce in India’s GCCs swell to 2.5-2.8 million, and the sector’s valuation is projected to hit $99-105 billion by the end of the decade. Since 2000, these centres have evolved from basic back-office operations to critical innovation hubs that drive digital transformation for their parent companies. According to “Innovation hubs: How GCCs are shaping the future of business” report by McKinsey over 70% of GCCs in India now play a direct role in leading digital initiatives.
This growth trajectory underscores the importance of the right skill set for candidates aiming to thrive in the GCC space. While education provides a foundation, it is essential to focus on soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and resilience to truly stand out. “The key differentiator in a diverse, global workplace is not just technical expertise but also the ability to navigate cultural differences and communicate effectively,” notes Nirupama. With global teams spread across different regions, the ability to listen actively, adapt to various communication styles, and understand local business contexts becomes invaluable.
Moreover, a deep understanding of the geography and culture of the regions where GCCs operate can set candidates apart. India’s position as a GCC powerhouse is particularly significant as companies increasingly move beyond cost arbitrage to focus on innovation. Additionally, according to a recent EY Report “Future of GCCs in India – A vision 2030”, between 2018 and 2023, GCCs in India created 600,000 new jobs, bringing the total workforce to 1.6 million. Companies like JPMorgan Chase have been prime examples of the scale and impact of these centres. The sector’s transition to high-value, strategic roles is reflected in the fact that 10-13% of leadership positions in global GCCs are now held by Indian professionals, up from 8.6% in 2022.
The future of GCCs in India is undoubtedly intertwined with technology. As more companies set up operations here, the demand for professionals with digital skills will only grow. Leadership, collaboration, and digital literacy are highly valued, particularly as NASSCOM predicts that India will house nearly 20,000 global roles in GCCs by 2030.
The GCC landscape offers immense potential for those who are willing to embrace change and lead in this dynamic space. With India poised to remain at the forefront of the global GCC market, the opportunities for growth and innovation are vast—particularly for candidates equipped with the right mix of technical knowledge, cultural awareness, and adaptability. For those looking to embark on or advance in a GCC career, the future is bright, but success will hinge on evolving with the demands of this ever-changing landscape.