If IT put India on the world map, GCCs are rewriting the country’s global playbook. Today, India is home to nearly half of the world’s GCCs, making it one of the hottest destinations for multinational companies. This boom is more than just numbers — it’s transforming the business landscape by creating jobs, driving innovation, and strengthening international collaboration. With over 2,000 GCCs already operating, India isn’t just hosting global capability centers — it’s powering the future of global innovation.
GCC Explained: Why it’s creating So Much Buzz
It’s been almost two decades since this term came into the business. Known by various names like offshoring center, captive units, and Global In-House Centers, it is now called as GCC- Global Capability Centre. GCC is an offshore hub for the multinational companies setting up their entity in other parts of the world to handle a part of their business operations away from the parent country without leasing or outsourcing their core technology development.
The real buzz comes from how they’ve grown from support centers to places driving global innovation and tech projects. They are making headlines since the conversations have shifted away from call centers to AI, R&D, digital transformation, manufacturing, healthcare and more.
Why are global companies choosing India for their GCCs?
India being packed with a rich pool of world-class talents graduating every year becomes a hotspot destination for GCCs. Cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune and Gurugram are major GCC hubs.
Companies benefit from Cost-efficiency with quality when operating in India. GCCs in India deliver 40% to 60% cost savings compared to headquarter locations without compromising the expertise.
The Indian government offers a strong legal and regulatory ecosystem. India offers mature IP laws, tax treaties and business-friendly policies that make long-term operations smooth and secure.
India provides 24/7 support across various time zones, making it a strategic nerve center.
How does GCC design their office spaces in India?
Infrastructure plays a prime role in GCC. They are usually very strategic, it’s not just about desks and chairs, but about creating a space that fosters innovation, collaboration, and a global work culture. Irrespective of traditional offices, they set up fast in India because of ready infrastructure, talent availability, and a supportive ecosystem. Here is how they typically design their office spaces in India.
- Location selection
- While most GCCs are still concentrating on Tier-1 cities, there is now a growing trend of GCCs expanding into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Coimbatore, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Mysuru, and Trichy in India.
- Though larger cities are the major preference, cost advantage, improved accessibility, the Digital India and the Smart India mission and the post-COVID shift, make them realize that work can be distributed beyond metros.
- Work space design
- A key factor for attracting talent and boosting innovation is how well a workspace is designed and functioning.
- GCCs are shifting from rigid cubicles to flexible, open layouts with breakout zones, agile pods, and innovation labs.
- Modern GCCs are designed with ergonomic seating, natural light and lots of greenery around, nap pods and even wellness spaces that improve productivity of the employee.
- They create workspaces not just as an office but as an innovation ecosystem bringing together collaboration, technology and employee well-being.
- Building culture and Work Experience
- GCC offices usually reflect their global culture while keeping local needs in mind.
- From onboarding zones to training spaces, the main focus is on creating workplaces where talent feels engaged, supported, valued, and inspired.
- Technology and Security
- GCC offices are built with modern tools like cloud systems, video pods, and fast connectivity to support hybrid work.
- Also they make safety a priority with secure access, data protection, and spaces designed to meet global standards.
- Collaboration and Sustainability
- GCCs focus on eco-friendly designs with energy-saving systems, while creating environment that encourage teamwork and community at the same time.
Conclusion
India’s GCC story is not just a trend — it’s a transformation. What once started as back-office operations has now evolved into high-value hubs for R&D, AI, digital transformation, healthcare, manufacturing, and more. With its world-class talent, government-backed policies, advanced infrastructure, and collaborative work culture, India has become the most preferred destination for GCCs worldwide.
At Cactus coworking, we believe a great office is more than just desks and chairs — it’s a platform that fuels innovation, collaboration, and growth. That’s why we’ve built an environment that reflects the energy, culture, and ambition of the companies we host. As India cements its place as the GCC capital of the world, we’re here to ensure that the workspaces behind this growth are just as future-ready.
