India’s technology and business knowledge outsourcing scene has changed deeply in the past ten years. Although conventional IT services firms have long been the leading employers, the Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are fast becoming desirable workplaces for seasoned experts as well as recent graduates.
Internal units of multinational companies (MNCs) and GCCs manage important business operations, technological innovation, and product development. Unlike IT service providers, who mostly oversee outsourced projects, GCCs are essential to international businesses since they focus on fundamental business strategy.
Over 1,600 GCCs in India today employ more than 1.66 million professionals, therefore influencing the scene of digital transformation in India. Industry projections by the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) suggest that the Indian GCC market could grow to $105 billion by the year 2030.
What are GCCs doing differently?
The Globally Capability Centers have developed well beyond back-office cost-cutting initiatives. These days, they are centers of excellence fostering strategic corporate initiatives and innovation. For instance, GCCs direct their efforts on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital payment solutions — directly related to corporate expansion.
Also Read: Today’s premium GCC jobs demand domain expertise plus IT skills: former Cognizant India CMD
Unlike conventional IT solutions, GCCs address AI-based automation, predictive analytics, and deep learning models to maximise worldwide operations. GCCs now perform the function of risk management and overseeing the safeguarding of worldwide corporate digital and other assets.
Design and maintenance of scalable cloud systems by Cloud Infrastructure Development help parent organisations lower running risks. Sectors including Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI), healthcare, and e-commerce use GCCs to create and service products and new technology-driven solutions.
Value Adding to MNCs
GCCs form the brain of global corporations’ business transformation plans. With the availability of strong STEM, Engineering, and Business talent available in India, MNCs can create and maintain goods and services supply with cost-effectiveness and creativity. Unlike in an outsourced ecosystem, GCCs keep strategic control over intellectual property, cybersecurity, and critical business operations and functions in-house. An abundance of talent helps MNCs scale with agility to meet or satisfy changing market demands.
India despite the passage of time offers good cost arbitrage. On top of it, to quote industry thought leaders, when GCCs perform core functions, they gain another advantage. They save over 20% in sales, marketing, and general expenses and the margins that outsourcing vendors will take. They can use this large saving of about 25-30 percent for acquiring or retaining good talent, as well as innovations and better technologies.
As a result, GCCs are able to pay more than the traditional IT service companies in India, which between 1998 – 2018 were big recruiters of talent of freshers and experienced specialists. Greater pay is one of the main reasons seasoned experts and recent grads choose GCCs over established IT companies. A recent TeamLease analysis claims that for the same positions, GCCs pay 12-20% more than ITE firms.
Salary comparison in LPA
GCCs require top-notch expertise since they operate on major worldwide projects. Their lesser reliance on outside vendors means more positions with value. For example, R&D and innovative projects replace standard IT maintenance. People in GCCs gain more exposure to strategic decision-making and world leaders.
If you are a college student, the right question to ask today is why and how is the work more challenging in a GCC. GCCs give chances to work on end-to-end product lifecycle management, business analytics, and cloud security, unlike conventional IT businesses which largely offer support and development responsibilities. This includes
• Work culture driven by innovation: Staff members have to be always working on fresh ideas.
• Cross-functional cooperation: Usually, one works with worldwide teams across time zones.
• Difficult problem-solving:From digital twin simulations in manufacturing to AI-driven risk assessment in BFSI, GCC workers face extremely technical challenges.
• Higher expectations and deliverables:GCCs require ownership of strategic corporate goals, unlike service organisations where work is split into client-specific projects.
How students can be ready
Final-year students have to be proactive in getting ready for these high-value positions since GCCs are spreading their presence in India. It will help to develop core technical and business skills.
Professionals with domain knowledge in: AI, ML, and Data Science – Python, SQL, TensorFlow are valued by GCCs. Similarly, domain knowledge in Cloud computing with AWS, Google Cloud, Azure; Cybersecurity; risk management systems; ethical hacking; Fintech and Digital Payments if one is aiming for BFSI positions; Agile and Product Management for positions driven in business, and more.
Before you graduate, finish at least two industry-relevant certifications. It could be a certified solutions architect for Google Cloud or AWS or if you are a business student, take a CFA Level one/Fintech Certification for BFSI positions. You could also consider becoming an Agile team Certified Scrum Master
It helps to get practical experience. You can start with applications for summer internships at MNCs, fintech startups, or IT product firms should go to work on practical industry issues including blockchain-based digital identity verification or AI-driven fraud detection in banks, capstone projects.
Try and grow in soft skills and global workplace readiness. Strong communication, analytical capabilities, and problem-solving abilities are sought in GCCs by talent. Build business communication skills by enrolling in an online course or programme.
Work on case studies and group projects using analytical thinking and cross-functional collaboration. Keep informed on fintech, artificial intelligence, and industry trends to improve your adaptability and learning agility. Such courses are offered by institutions such as IIM, or IITs or IIITs.
Get professional help to improve LinkedIn and Resume Presenting Power. One needs to list credentials, projects, and industry alignment research in your field of expertise. Emphasize your ability to solve problems by proving influence via projects and internships.
Share project work, highlight industry trends, and network with GCC professionals using LinkedIn and GitHub. One can ask colleagues or mentors to provide simulated interview preparation on LinkedIn and network with GCC professionals there.
In essence, GCC-ready professionals will shape the future. Jobs in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, and cloud computing will explode as GCCs expected to expand tremendously in India. Fresh graduates who upskill strategically, acquire practical experience, and develop a strong global work attitude will be much sought for. Though the competition is strong, those who prepare well will land demanding, high-paying positions in prominent GCCs.
(We welcome your suggestions and feedback regarding Education. You can email us at education@thehindu.co.in)
(K. Ramachandran is a former journalist, and now heads strategy for an edtech company.)
Published – March 13, 2025 04:00 pm IST
