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What Are Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India? How GCCs operate in India and the role of Staffing agencies and headhunters in 2025?
- Saransh Garg
- Apr 14
- 10 min read
Updated: May 22
If you're actively expanding your business and considering building your offshore or nearshore operations in India, there's a high chance that you're either evaluating or have already heard about Global Capability Centres (GCCs). But you might still have pressing questions like:
What exactly are GCCs in India?
How do GCCs operate here in 2025?
How can staffing agencies and headhunters like us help you scale quickly, with the right talent?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, just like I would if we were working on a real hiring project for your team.
Whether you're a startup exploring India for the first time, a mid-sized enterprise scaling operations, or a global MNC establishing a second delivery hub, this is your complete guide to GCCs in India, how they work, and how top recruitment agencies help you build them successfully.
The Rise of GCCs in India: Why This Model is Booming in 2025
As global businesses aim to become more agile, cost-effective, and digitally driven, the challenge is finding scalable, future-ready operating models without compromising quality.
You might have already felt this pressure rising operational costs, difficulty in hiring niche tech talent locally, or the growing need to innovate faster. Many companies also struggle with retaining high-value leadership talent in home markets.
That’s where Global Capability Centres (GCCs) come in. And in 2025, India is leading the world as the top destination for GCCs, thanks to its skilled talent pool, cost advantages, and mature tech ecosystem. But establishing a GCC here is not just about setting up an office. You need the right leadership, engineers, architects, finance experts, and operations heads all of which staffing agencies like ours help you hire quickly and strategically.
What Are Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India?
You're hearing the term "GCC" more often, but not sure if it's relevant to your business. Is it just another outsourcing model? Relying on BPOs or outsourced vendors might not give you the control, innovation, and cultural alignment you need. You might be losing IP control or struggling with slow execution.
A Global Capability Centre (GCC) is your own dedicated entity in India that functions as an extension of your headquarters, offering services like product development, IT, R&D, finance, HR, cybersecurity, marketing, and even legal ops. Unlike outsourcing, you own the strategy, control the team, and build long-term capabilities.
Here’s what makes GCCs in India unique in 2025:
Talent at Scale: India has over 5 million tech professionals and growing, with deep expertise in AI, data engineering, DevOps, cloud, and cybersecurity.
Cost Efficiency: Operational costs are typically 40-60% lower than the West.
Speed to Market: With the right recruitment partner, you can go from blueprint to a 100-member team in under 6 months.
Leadership Pool: From CTOs to CFOs, India’s leadership talent has global exposure and MNC experience.
Book a 30-minute call with our GCC hiring specialists to understand market trends, salary benchmarks, and how quickly you can build.
Why India? Why Now?
Political Stability + Pro-Business Policies: India continues to invest in digital infrastructure and ease of doing business.
Startup Ecosystem + Global Experience: Many GCC leaders come from startups and large MNCs, bringing a balanced mindset.
Language + Time Zone Compatibility: English proficiency and favorable time overlap with the US and EU make India a natural choice.
How GCCs Operate in India in 2025
Setting up operations in India sounds great, but how do GCCs really function? What do day-to-day operations look like? You may worry about regulatory compliance, cultural alignment, attrition rates, or finding skilled professionals in niche roles.
A GCC in India typically functions like a satellite headquarters. You control the IP, strategy, and delivery while tapping into local expertise and global talent. Most GCCs today operate in hybrid models and are fully integrated with their HQs, often functioning across:
Technology Development & Engineering
Finance & Shared Services
Human Resources & People Ops
AI, Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity
Sales Ops & Customer Experience
Real-world Example: We recently helped a FinTech scale-up in the US build a 40-member GCC in Bangalore within 4 months. We recruited a CTO, backend engineers, DevOps experts, and a finance controller, ensuring alignment across both cultures and time zones.
Key Roles Commonly Hired in Indian GCCs in 2025
You know you need tech and ops talent, but which roles should you hire locally? Without clear hiring priorities, your expansion could slow down or cost more than it should.
Here's a snapshot of the most in-demand job titles companies are hiring for in GCCs across India today:
Software Developers (Full-Stack, Backend, Frontend)
Cloud Architects (AWS, Azure, GCP)
DevOps Engineers
Data Engineers & Scientists
Product Managers
Finance Controllers & FP&A Analysts
Technical Recruiters & HRBPs
Security Engineers
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
How Staffing Agencies and Headhunters Help Build GCCs in India
You want to build a team in India, but you’re unsure where to start. You need to hire leadership, engineers, and operations staff—fast.
Internal teams often lack the network, bandwidth, or local hiring knowledge needed to scale a GCC quickly.
That’s where staffing agencies and headhunters for GCCs in India like us step in. We’ve built GCC teams from scratch for SaaS startups, private equity-backed firms, and even Fortune 500 companies.
Here’s exactly how we help:
1. Talent Mapping & Role Definition
We help you define roles based on local availability, salary benchmarks, and future scaling plans.
2. Executive Search for Leadership Roles
Whether you need a CTO in Delhi or a CFO in Bangalore, we tap into our pre-vetted network of C-suite and VP-level candidates who have experience in both global and Indian work cultures.
Related: What is Executive Search? Benefits, Pros, Cons and Services in 2025
3. Bulk Hiring & Tech Staffing
Using agile hiring sprints, we help you scale engineering, QA, DevOps, and support teams in 60–90 days.
4. HR Advisory and Onboarding
We support with local compliance, offer structuring, and onboarding best practices to reduce attrition and improve early engagement.
Key Trends Shaping GCC Hiring in 2025
Hiring strategies that worked in 2020 no longer apply in 2025. India’s talent landscape has changed post-pandemic and post-AI revolution.
You risk missing top talent or overpaying if your strategies are outdated.
Here’s what’s trending in GCC hiring right now:
Hybrid Work Models: Candidates now prefer flexibility. 70% of GCCs in India offer 2-3 day in-office schedules.
AI & Automation Skills: Hiring for roles like Prompt Engineers, ML Ops, and AI product managers is surging.
Leadership from Startups: Startups are grooming the next GCC leaders—agile, global thinkers, and tech-first.
Where Are GCCs Thriving in India?
These are India’s top GCC hubs in 2025. If you’re planning your expansion, consider these cities:
Bangalore: Tech and product innovation
Hyderabad: Life sciences, AI, and finance
Gurgaon / Delhi NCR: Sales ops, cybersecurity, and enterprise SaaS
Mumbai: BFSI, legal, and corporate functions
Pune & Chennai: Engineering and manufacturing GCCs
Related: Why You Need a Specialized Recruitment Agency in Delhi 2025
Why Work with a Specialized Recruitment Firm for GCC Hiring?
When you work with a recruitment agency that understands GCCs in India, you’re not just getting resumes you’re building long-term value. We help you:
Hire leaders who align with your global vision
Build compliant, agile teams at scale
Reduce cost-per-hire and time-to-fill
Navigate hiring across CFOs, CTOs, Product Heads, Engineers, DevOps, and Analysts
Let’s Help You Build Your GCC in India
If you're serious about building a high-performing Global Capability Centre in India, we’d love to support you whether it's executive hiring, tech staffing, or building full teams.
Fill our contact form here to get a personalized hiring strategy for your India expansion.
Global Capability Centres in India are not just cost-saving engines anymore they are becoming hubs of innovation, AI-driven product development, and global operations. If you’re looking to build or scale a GCC in 2025, the right staffing partner in India can make all the difference.
We’ve helped startups hire their first CTO in Delhi, enabled MNCs to recruit entire finance teams in Mumbai, and supported SaaS firms to launch AI and engineering GCCs in Bangalore.
If you’re ready to get started or just want to explore your options, we’re here to help.
FAQs and Hiring Questions Businesses Ask Before Setting Up a GCC in India
Let’s answer a few real hiring questions that leaders often ask us:
How do I ensure cultural alignment in my India GCC?
We advise hiring a local HRBP or site leader with MNC experience to bridge the cultural and operational gap. This is one of the first hires we recommend.
Can I hire remote teams in India without opening an entity?
Yes, and many do. We offer Employer of Record (EOR) services for businesses that want to test operations before going all-in.
How long does it take to build a 50-member GCC team in India?
With our recruitment process, we’ve built teams of 50–100 members in 3–5 months, depending on role complexity.
What is a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India?
A Global Capability Centre (GCC) is a dedicated offshore unit set up by multinational companies in India to handle key business functions like technology, finance, analytics, HR, and R&D. GCCs help optimize costs, access skilled talent, and drive global innovation from India.
Why are so many GCCs being set up in India?
India offers a large pool of skilled professionals, strong infrastructure, cost-efficiency, and a favorable time zone for global operations. As of 2025, India is home to over 1,600 GCCs, serving Fortune 500 companies across industries like tech, banking, pharma, and retail.
How do GCCs operate in India?
GCCs operate as strategic business units supporting their parent companies globally. They are involved in advanced functions such as digital transformation, software development, cybersecurity, data science, and product innovation—beyond traditional back-office tasks.
What is the role of staffing agencies in building GCC teams?
Staffing agencies play a critical role in helping GCCs quickly scale their teams with high-quality talent. They provide contract staffing, permanent recruitment, and project-based hiring solutions for roles in IT, engineering, finance, analytics, and more.
How do headhunters support leadership hiring for GCCs?
Headhunters and executive search firms help GCCs hire senior leaders like Delivery Heads, Center Directors, and Chief Digital Officers. These roles require deep domain expertise and local market insights—making experienced recruiters essential for success.
Are GCCs different from traditional outsourcing companies?
Yes, GCCs are owned and controlled by the parent company and focus on long-term strategic work, innovation, and value creation. In contrast, outsourcing companies are third-party vendors that execute tasks based on contracts and service-level agreements (SLAs).
What challenges do GCCs face in India?
Common challenges include high attrition, competitive talent markets, evolving regulatory landscapes, and pressure to continuously deliver innovation. That’s why many GCCs partner with specialist staffing firms to manage workforce planning and retention.
What trends are shaping GCC operations in 2025?
Key trends include the rise of AI and automation, hybrid work models, talent localization beyond metro cities, and an increasing focus on ESG goals. Many GCCs are now becoming global hubs for product ownership and innovation, not just support centers.
How can you help us find the right people for our company?
Think of us as your personal talent scout! At Exlcareer, we're dedicated to finding the perfect match for your open positions. We'll handle everything from posting job ads to interviewing candidates and even onboarding new hires. Our team of experienced recruiters uses the latest tools and techniques to identify top talent, ensuring a smooth and successful hiring process.
Let Exlcareer handle your hiring needs. Contact us now to discuss your specific requirements and discover how we can help you attract the best talent.
Do you work with companies in my area?
We have a global reach but a strong presence in Delhi, India, and Dallas, Texas, United States. Whether you're looking to hire locally or internationally, Exlcareer can help you find the right talent for your company.
In India, we have covered more than 100+ cities some of the following cities:
Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Chandigarh and more.
In the United States, we have covered more than 20+ cities some of the following cities:
New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, San Jose and more.
What kinds of jobs ExlCareer specialize in?
We specialize in a wide range of roles, from entry-level to executive positions. Whether you need a software engineer, a customer service representative, or a marketing manager, we can help you find the perfect candidate.
Here are some examples of common roles we specialize in:
Technology: Software engineers, data scientists, DevOps engineers, IT project managers, cybersecurity analysts
Sales and Marketing: Sales representatives, marketing managers, content writers, social media managers, digital marketers
Finance and Accounting: Accountants, financial analysts, auditors, treasurers, controllers
Human Resources: HR managers, recruiters, HR generalists, compensation analysts, benefits specialists
Operations: Operations managers, supply chain managers, logistics coordinators, quality assurance analysts, customer service representatives
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Education: Teachers, professors, tutors, school administrators, counselors
Other Niche profiles
How long does the ExlCareer RPO process take?
The length of the RPO process can vary depending on the specific role and the complexity of the search. However, we strive to fill positions as quickly as possible without compromising on quality.
Our typical turnaround time is 24-48 hours. This means that we can often provide you with a shortlist of qualified candidates within just a few days of receiving your job requisition.
Here's how our RPO process works:
Initial consultation: We'll start by discussing your specific hiring needs and goals. This will help us understand the type of talent you're looking for and the timeline for filling the position.
Requirements analysis: Based on our initial consultation, we'll conduct a thorough analysis of your job requirements. This will help us identify the key skills and experience that candidates should have.
Candidate sourcing: We'll use a variety of sourcing methods to identify potential candidates for your role. This may include job boards, social media, employee referrals, and our extensive network of talent.
Candidate screening: We'll carefully review each candidate's resume and cover letter to ensure that they meet the minimum qualifications for the role. We may also conduct initial phone interviews to narrow down the pool of candidates.
Candidate presentation: Once we've identified the top candidates, we'll present them to you for your review. We'll provide you with detailed information about each candidate's qualifications and experience.
Job offer and onboarding: If you select a candidate, we'll help you extend a job offer and negotiate terms. We can also provide support with onboarding to ensure a smooth transition for the new hire.
Contact us now to discuss your requirements and learn more about how Exlcareer can help you find the right talent for your company.
How can I trust that you'll find the best candidates?
At Exlcareer, Our success is directly tied to your success, so we're dedicated to finding the best possible candidates for your open positions.
We utilize a rigorous screening process to evaluate each candidate's skills, experience, and cultural fit. We also conduct thorough reference checks to verify their qualifications. Our goal is to present you with a shortlist of highly qualified candidates who align with your company's specific needs and values.
By partnering with Exlcareer, you can be confident that you're working with a trusted RPO firm that is dedicated to helping you achieve your hiring goals.
How soon can we start? And how to start?
We're ready to start working with you as soon as you are! To get started, simply contact us to schedule a consultation. Our team will discuss your specific hiring needs and provide you with a customized solution.
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