What are the top cities in India for setting up a GCC?

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India has emerged as a prime destination for Global Capability Centers (GCCs), with several cities offering unique advantages for multinational companies looking to establish their operations. Here's a detailed look at the top cities in India for setting up a GCC:

Bengaluru: The GCC Capital

Bengaluru, often referred to as the Silicon Valley of India, is the undisputed leader in hosting GCCs. With approximately 875 centers, it accounts for 29.4% of all GCC units in India. The city boasts:

  • Largest Technology Workforce: Bengaluru has a workforce of two million technology professionals, making it a talent hub for GCCs.
  • Mature Ecosystem: A thriving startup landscape, established IT infrastructure, and a supportive business environment.
  • Government Support: Karnataka's upcoming GCC policy aims to catalyze new setups and job creation, offering subsidies and incentives.

Hyderabad: A Rising Star

Hyderabad has become the second-largest GCC hub, with 12% of India's GCC units. Its advantages include:

  • Government Policies: Forward-thinking policies and effective urban planning have made Hyderabad attractive for GCCs.
  • Infrastructure: The city's IT corridor, stretching from Hi-Tec City to the airport, encompasses 14 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with top-notch facilities.
  • Talent Pool: Hyderabad attracts talent from across the country, particularly in technology, BFSI, and life sciences sectors.

Pune: Cost-Effective and Engineering Talent

Pune is known for its cost-effective real estate and proximity to major engineering and automotive clusters:

  • Affordable Real Estate: Lower rental costs compared to other major cities.
  • Engineering Talent: A strong base of engineering graduates and professionals.
  • GCC Leasing: Pune recorded the second-highest proportion of GCC leasing in H1 2024, driven by large acquisitions.

Chennai: Manufacturing and STEM Education

Chennai has developed as a key GCC hub, leveraging its strengths in:

  • Manufacturing Base: A strong manufacturing sector, particularly in automotive and engineering.
  • STEM Education: High-quality educational institutions producing STEM graduates.
  • R&D Policy: Tamil Nadu's R&D Policy 2022 provides incentives for GCCs and R&D centers.

Delhi NCR: Infrastructure and Talent

The National Capital Region (NCR), including cities like Gurugram and Noida, offers:

  • Infrastructure: Advanced multi-modal logistics infrastructure and world-class office spaces.
  • Talent Pool: A large pool of professionals across various sectors.
  • GCC Presence: NCR hosts around 465 GCC units, with a share of 15.6% in 2023-24.

Mumbai: Financial Hub

Mumbai, India's financial capital, provides:

  • BFSI Sector: A strong presence of banking, financial services, and insurance companies.
  • Connectivity: International airport and well-connected transportation networks.
  • Business Ecosystem: A mature business environment with established support systems.

Emerging Tier-2 Cities

While the above cities dominate, tier-2 cities like Coimbatore, Jaipur, and Visakhapatnam are gaining traction:

  • Cost Advantages: Lower operational costs compared to Tier-1 cities.
  • Fresh Talent: Access to new talent pools and reduced competition for skilled professionals.
  • Government Incentives: State-specific policies and incentives to attract GCCs.

How Wisemonk Can Help You Set Up a GCC in India

As a leading Employer of Record (EOR) provider in India, Wisemonk offers comprehensive support for establishing and managing your GCC:

  1. Location Advisory: Our team provides detailed market analysis, talent assessment, and setup support across all major Indian cities, ensuring you choose the optimal location for your GCC.
  2. Compliance and Legal Setup: We guide you through the legal requirements, ensuring compliance with local labor laws, tax regulations, and other statutory obligations.
  3. Talent Management: Wisemonk assists in hiring, onboarding, and managing your workforce, leveraging our deep understanding of the Indian talent market.
  4. Operational Support: From payroll processing to benefits administration, we handle all aspects of your GCC operations, allowing you to focus on your core business functions.
  5. Technology Integration: Our advanced technology platform ensures seamless integration with your existing systems, providing real-time reporting and secure data management.

By partnering with Wisemonk, you gain access to local expertise, streamlined processes, and a hassle-free experience in setting up and running your GCC in India. Our end-to-end solutions ensure that your GCC operations are efficient, compliant, and aligned with your strategic business objectives.