Beyond the Metros: Unlocking India's Next GCC Chapter
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
India’s Global Capability Centre (GCC) landscape is entering a new phase of expansion. With more than 2,100 GCCs generating over $98 billion in annual revenue and employing nearly 2.4 million professionals, India remains a leading destination for global organisations. However, around 90% of GCCs are concentrated in Tier I cities, increasing pressure on talent, costs and operating capacity.
At the same time, structural shifts are creating a stronger case for Tier II cities. Changing workforce preferences, improved digital infrastructure and growing state-level incentives are helping narrow the gap between metropolitan and emerging locations. Tier II cities are increasingly offering access to skilled and stable talent pools, lower attrition and more competitive talent, real estate and operating costs.
This report examines the factors driving the rise of Tier II GCC hubs, the emerging sector-specific clusters and the key considerations for organisations evaluating their next GCC location.
Key Takeaways
The strategic question has shifted from whether to expand into Tier II cities to how fast. Early movers stand to capture a meaningful first-mover advantage in talent, real estate, and government partnership terms.
