Global capability centres have emerged as a key pillar of the Indian economy, evolving from cost-saving offshore units to innovation-driven strategic hubs. With a projected expansion to a $105 billion industry by 2030, GCCs are poised to generate millions of jobs and contribute significantly to India’s digital transformation and global competitiveness. The rapid growth in hiring, the transition to high-value services, and the deepening integration with advanced technologies make GCCs a formidable force in India’s economic growth story.
A defining trend in India’s employment scene is the rapid expansion of GCC hiring, outpacing traditional IT services firms. According to industry estimates, GCC hiring is expected to rise by 27% in the near term, with Engineering Research and Development (ER&D) leading the way at a growth rate of 31%. In contrast, IT services firms have slowed hiring due to factors like automation, AI-driven coding, and subdued demand.
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The numbers tell a compelling story: nearly 140,000 jobs were added by GCCs in FY25, with a projection of 180,000 new hires in FY26. By 2030, the sector is expected to employ 3.3 million professionals, reinforcing India’s status as the global GCC leader. This hiring boom is not just about numbers; it is driven by a demand for domain expertise in cybersecurity, AI, data analytics, and data governance.
Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai continue to be the top hubs for GCCs, driving a majority of hiring activities. Additionally, Hyderabad and the National Capital Region are also witnessing rapid GCC expansion. State government incentives and availability of skilled professionals make these cities attractive destinations for global firms setting up their capability centres.
GCCs and innovation leadership
Gone are the days when GCCs were merely back-office units performing routine IT and business processes. Today, they are at the forefront of high-value services, including AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and semiconductors. This shift is evident as companies now prefer to outsource basic IT work to vendors, while GCCs focus on advanced, technology-driven innovation.
The presence of senior leadership in India-based GCCs has also transformed them into centres of strategic decision-making. GCCs now play a pivotal role in shaping global technology roadmaps, particularly in the automotive, aerospace, BFSI, pharma, and healthcare industries.
Fuelling India’s digital transformation
GCCs are playing an instrumental role in India’s digital transformation. With 40% of digital transformation projects in GCCs, India has emerged as a global centre for high-value technology-driven solutions. The integration of AI, machine learning, and analytics has enabled these centres to optimise operations, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation. Additionally, the growing trend of industry-academia partnerships is equipping professionals with future-ready skills, ensuring a steady supply of talent for next-generation technologies.
GCCs are not just hiring in large numbers; they are also contributing to workforce diversity. By 2030, 61% of India’s GCCs anticipate over a 50% increase in women hires—a significant leap from current levels. The focus on inclusivity is likely to improve employment opportunities for women in technology and management roles, strengthening India’s gender diversity in high-skilled jobs.
India’s GCC market, currently valued at $64.6 billion, is expected to nearly double to $105 billion by 2030. This growth will be driven by an increase in the number of centres, projected to surpass 2,400 by the end of the decade. With global corporations increasingly viewing India as a strategic talent and innovation hub, investment inflows into GCCs are expected to rise, further boosting the country’s economic resilience.
Challenges and the road ahead
Despite the optimistic outlook, global capability centres must tackle several challenges. A rapidly evolving digital industry demands continuous upskilling of employees, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and blockchain. While industry-academia partnerships are addressing this gap, a structured approach to lifelong learning and adaptability will be crucial for GCCs to maintain their competitive edge.
The expansion of GCCs requires strong internal organisational support. Many companies still struggle to integrate their GCCs seamlessly into global operations, often due to legacy structures and resistance to change. Additionally, evolving regulatory frameworks, data protection laws, and geopolitical factors, including tariff threats and protectionist policies, pose challenges that GCCs must proactively address.
India’s position as a hub for global capability centres is solidifying, driven by its skilled workforce, cost advantages, and digital-first business environment. With a market size set to reach $105 billion and employment levels soaring to 2.8 million professionals by 2030, GCCs will continue to be a crucial driver of India’s economic growth. Their role in fostering innovation, boosting high-value employment, and accelerating digital transformation ensures that India remains at the forefront of global enterprise operations and technology leadership.
By strategically investing in skill development, technological infrastructure, and policy support, India can further strengthen its GCC ecosystem, making it a powerhouse of innovation and sustainable economic growth in the decades to come.