Since the Indian IT sector’s evolution in the 1980s and 90s coincided with LPG (Liberalisation, Privatisation, and Globalisation), the sector primarily focussed on business process outsourcing, back-office tasks for international organisations, and service-based IT operations. The Indian IT and IT es sector was known as the “Back Office of the World.”
This tag is set to change with the arrival and expansion of global capability centres across India. Bangalore leads the pack with over 875 GCCs, followed by Mumbai-Pune Area, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, and leading Tier-II cities.
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A b. Tech in artificial intelligence from Chanakya university Bangalore can propel your dream. Situated in the GCC Capital of India, pursuing a BTech degree from CU further helps you get placements and internships at leading GCCs of MNCs (Indian and Global).
In today’s passage, we will explore how global captive centres are helping the Indian IT sector transform from the world’s back office to the R&D hub for new-age technologies and solutions, making India a leading exporter of software.
From Backoffice to Capability Hubs: IT-BPM Sector in Revival Mode
GCCs opened and operated by MNCs like Amazon, American Express, and others have matured beyond their early-stage operational score. They have moved towards strategic functions that influence the innovation and R&D ecosystem of the concerned economy.
- More than 90% of GCCs are multi-functional and focus on product development and next-gen research and development. Here are some growth numbers of GCCs in India as published on NASSCOM.
- India hosts a significant number of Fortune 500 companies. Around 70% of the companies operate GCCs, which are integral to their global innovation strategy.
- Global Captive Centres in India generate more than $35 billion in revenue annually and are projected to reach $105 billion by 2030. Around 60% of them focus on R&D in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and advanced digital solutions.
Global Capability Centres have emerged as key drivers of innovation in AI, deep tech, data analytics, and other advanced technologies. In her Budget 2025 speech, FM Nirmala Sitharaman said, “A national framework will be drafted to guide states in encouraging and establishing GCCs in emerging Tier II cities. It will recommend steps to train the workforce and erect suitable infrastructure, introduce reforms in building by-laws, and establish mechanisms for industry collaboration.“
Chanakya University Bangalore offers b. Tech in artificial intelligence, b. Tech computer engineering, and other engineering programs with a curriculum strategically combining practical and theoretical aspects for your holistic development. Explore the CU website and apply for b. Tech admission now.
India’s Enduring Advantage for GCC Supremacy
The Economic Survey 2025 noted that the GCC ecosystem in India has matured significantly over the years, and we are on the right track to move beyond the back office of the world to high-quality R&D of global brands, boosting job opportunities, economy, and more. The reasons for this commendable growth are:
- A digitally savvy and experienced pool of IT-BPM professionals (5.4 million as of April 2025)
- Best universities in India for engineering with global recognition and certifications that are valued at leading global MNCs
- Decades of IT experience, network, connections, and job experience on-site and off-site
- Rising infrastructure (innovation and R&D) supported by organisations, government (State and Union), and MNCs (Indian and Global)
Conclusion
So, have India’s GCCs made the leap beyond the back office? The evidence overwhelmingly suggests yes. While transactional work continues, the defining narrative for India’s GCCs in 2025 is one of strategic importance, high-value creation, and innovation leadership.
Universities like Chanakya University Bangalore play a crucial role in nurturing professionals with b. Tech in artificial intelligence, b tech computer engineering, and other engineering courses and providing industry-ready tech professionals to operate advanced GCCs, transforming the IT-BPM sector of India.
Reference Links
https://www.ibef.org/blogs/global-capability-centres-are-transforming-india-s-corporate-landscape