GCCs are getting bigger. Are you ready?

Global Capability Centers (GCCs) have significantly expanded their presence in India, transforming the country into a pivotal hub for multinational corporations seeking to leverage skilled talent and cost efficiencies.

Growth Statistics:

• Number of GCCs: As of 2024, India hosts over 1,700 GCCs, employing approximately 1.9 million professionals. Projections indicate that by 2030, the number of GCCs could rise to between 2,100 and 2,200, with a workforce expanding to 2.5–2.8 million.
• Market Size: The GCC market in India is expected to grow from $64.6 billion in fiscal 2024 to between $99 billion and $105 billion by 2030.

Geographical Distribution:

• Primary Cities: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi NCR are the leading destinations for GCC establishments, offering robust infrastructure and a rich talent pool.
• Emerging Hubs: Tier-II cities such as Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, Vadodara, Kochi, and Chandigarh are gaining traction due to lower operational costs and favorable state policies. For instance, Karnataka plans to double its GCCs to 1,000 by 2029, promoting cities like Mangaluru, Mysuru, and Tumakuru as new centers.

Benefits to Software Professionals:

• Employment Opportunities: The expansion of GCCs is creating a multitude of job opportunities for software professionals across various domains, including AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
• Competitive Salaries: GCCs often offer higher compensation compared to traditional IT services. For example, AI/ML engineers in GCCs can earn starting salaries around ?8.2 lakh per annum, reaching up to ?43 lakh for senior roles with over eight years of experience.
• Career Growth: With the evolution of GCCs from cost centers to innovation hubs, professionals have opportunities to engage in high-value projects, enhancing their skills and career trajectories.
• Leadership Roles: The increasing prominence of GCCs has led to a rise in global leadership positions held by Indian professionals, with expectations that such roles will continue to grow significantly by 2025.

Companies Establishing or Expanding GCCs in India

1. PepsiCo: Opened a new GCC in Hyderabad focusing on supply chain analytics and digital transformation.
2. JP Morgan Chase: Expanding operations in Bengaluru with a focus on cybersecurity and digital banking.
3. Walmart Labs: Innovating in retail tech and supply chain management in Bengaluru.
4. Microsoft: Expanding its GCC in Hyderabad to drive AI and cloud innovations.
5. Bosch: Investing in IoT and automotive technology hubs in Bengaluru and Coimbatore.
6. Honeywell: Developing smart city and automation technologies in Pune.

All technology roles are critical and as a software professional, one can expect increased demand from GCCs in terms of hiring.