India is set to reinforce its position as a global outsourcing powerhouse, with the number of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) expected to surpass 2,100 by the close of financial year 2028. According to a recent Vestian report, this expansion represents a compound annual growth rate of approximately 8%, with an average of 150 new centres coming online each year.

While the metro hubs remain dominant, the report highlights a growing tilt toward tier‑II cities. Supported by policy measures introduced in Budget 2025 and state-level incentives, emerging centres like Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Kochi, Indore, Mohali, Bhubaneswar, and Madurai are coming into focus. The national framework encourages both new GCC investments and expansion of existing operations in these locations.

Sector dynamics are also evolving. Nearly half (49%) of the centres are embedded in the IT–ITeS sector, followed by 17% in BFSI. Other sectors—including healthcare, engineering, consulting, and telecom—now account for around 19% of the GCC ecosystem. This diversification marks a shift from purely transactional mandates to more strategic, innovation-driven functions.

The importance of GCCs extends beyond job creation. According to research from Vestian and Nishith Desai Associates, these centres now contribute over 1% of India’s GDP and are projected to generate upwards of USD 100 billion in annual revenue by 2030. NASSCOM–Zinnov estimates further validate this growth trajectory, forecasting India’s GCC market to reach USD 99–105 billion by 2030, with staffing rising to 2.5–2.8 million employees from the current 1.9 million.

India’s appeal lies in its powerful convergence of skilled talent, cost advantages, and infrastructure maturity. Vanguard cities such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad, bolstered by robust ecosystems, offer powerful value propositions. Meanwhile, responsive state governments are rolling out electricity subsidies, rental rebates, and tax relief — all aimed at making secondary cities more attractive.

The real estate and office market are reaping ripple effects. Analysts from Crisil and Knight Frank report record-high leasing of office space driven by GCC demand, pushing vacancy rates down and rental values up. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the latest contender, convening its first GCC conclave and introducing targeted incentives to attract global captives to Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur, and Prayagraj.

In short, India’s GCC story is entering a phase of nuanced growth and maturity. No longer merely cost centres, these hubs are fast becoming engines of enterprise innovation and digital transformation. As India moves past 2,100 GCCs, the next chapter in its global outsourcing legacy may very well hinge on how quickly it reorients its secondary cities toward the future of work.