Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are the next frontiers of economic growth, with the ability to transform India’s IT sector. However, they are struggling with challenges like a widening skills gap, intense global competition, a focus on outsourcing rather than product development and innovation, and the impact of AI and automation (AI Agents) on jobs.
The solution is to focus on GCCs and power them with a skilled workforce. Academic institutions like Chanakya University Bangalore have a crucial role to play here. You can explore their outcome-oriented industry-aligned b tech courses after 12th and become crucial human resource to this GCC revolution. These are powerful innovation hubs with the potential to ignite growth across the economy.
In the following sections, we will explore Global Capability Centres, their role in propelling the IT sector at the micro and the economy at the macro levels, and how a quality b.tech degree from an institution like CU can help you become a valuable resource in these growth engines.
Let’s commence the discussion with a few data about GCC growth in India as of April 2025.
- India is establishing nearly one GCC every week, solidifying its position as a leading hub for global R&D and technological innovation.
- As of April 2025, there were over 1700 GCCs in India, and the number is expected to reach around 2400 by 2030.
- GCCs are projected to generate 4.25 to 4.5 lakh jobs in 2025 and 1 million in the next six years.
- Around 35% of companies are planning 50 to 100 percent workforce expansion.
(Source: GCC Growth Outlook 2024)
Graduates with b.tech degrees from reputed universities like Chanakya University are organically suitable for this evolving industry, which requires engineers skilled in AI and emerging technologies.
Global Capability Centres
Global Capability Centres (GCCs), also known as Captive Centres or Global In-House Centres (GICs), are fully owned and integrated units—often located offshore—set up by multinational corporations (MNCs) to deliver a range of services and support to their parent organisations.
“I think that as the GCCs have matured into transformation hubs, there is a significant development of chief experience officer (CXO) minus one and CXO-led minus two roles based out of GCC.” (Debasis Panda, Mckinsey and Company)
“India’s leadership and digital transformation makes it an ideal location for all to invest in the country.” (Girish.P.Ramachandram, TCS)
Role in Economic Transformation and Revival of the IT Sector
GCCs have the potential to address several pressing challenges faced by the Indian IT sector. The sector is currently grappling with large-scale layoffs driven by restructuring efforts and the integration of AI solutions, as well as regulatory setbacks—such as the cancellation of IT projects worth ₹44,000 crore by the U.S. government.
These captive centres offer a promising model for global collaboration and innovation by leveraging India’s skilled and experienced workforce and its robust infrastructure.
Global Capability Centres can play a pivotal role in driving digital transformation, enhancing software exports, and creating new career opportunities for graduates with b.tech degrees.
Here’s a closer look at how GCCs can tackle the sector’s current challenges and capitalise on emerging opportunities—potentially shifting the Indian IT industry’s image from a primarily service-based model to one focused on product-based development.
Addressing Challenges GCC Way
Cost-efficiency
GCCs can help organisations reduce operational expenses while maintaining top-quality end products and workforce efficiency in a machine-human collaborative environment.
Talent Pool
The IT-BPM sector in India employs around 5.4 million people as of FY 2024. It will further rise in 2025 with specialised b tech courses after 12th at premier institutions like chanakya university, the best private university in India.
This vast and skilled workforce offers an attractive advantage for MNCs to set up their GCCs in India, opening avenues for new and traditional engineering job roles.
Innovation and R&D
R&D and innovation are key drivers of any economy. GCCs can be ultimate sources to improve the same in India, helping staying ahead of the curve in the digital landscape.
Digital Transformation
Extensive R&D can help develop new and innovative digital products, accelerating government and organisational digital transformation strategies.
Market Access
Global MNCs are setting up GCCs in India, and Indian MNCs are looking for foreign shores to expand their business.Therefore, these captive centres will help companies access bigger and new markets.
Transforming the Indian IT Sector
- Shifting from the traditional outsourcing model, GCCs provide more collaborative and strategic partnerships.
- GCCs are proving to be hubs for transformative innovation and technological advancements in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and other emerging fields.
- These centres of excellence are poised to boost software exports significantly. As per a report by HSBC Global Research, the contribution of GCCs to India’s IT exports increased from 18% in 2015 to 23% in 2023. This upward trend highlights a notable rise in software exports directly linked to the growth and proliferation of GCCs across the country.
- GCCs are creating new job opportunities and fueling economic drivers in diverse industries. Industries (direct and indirect) that are gaining advantage from the expansion of GCCs are IT, Financial Services, Modern Workspaces, Real Estate, Exports, Transportation Education, Infrastructure, Data Analytics, Cyber Security, AI, and more.
- Talent development is another aspect in which GCCs are bringing a transformative evolution. Government initiatives, organisations, and universities like Chanakya University Bangalore provide various skill development opportunities.
Conclusion
GCCs are reshaping the Indian IT sector by introducing a dynamic model for global collaboration and innovation. By harnessing India’s core strengths and addressing existing challenges, GCCs are playing a key role in advancing the IT industry, fueling economic growth, and opening up exciting new opportunities for Indian professionals. Chanakya University, Bangalore, equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this evolving landscape.
Visit the CU website to learn more and apply for btech admissions today.