Pune Emerges as a Hub for Global Capabilities Centres: 135 GCCs Set Up in Three Years
Pune has emerged as a prominent hub for Global Capabilities Centres (GCCs) over the past three years, with 135 companies setting up their offices since 2024, according to a joint report by KPMG in India, American Chamber of Commerce in India (AMCHAM), and research firm UnearthIQ. The city now boasts over 500 GCCs, accounting for around 14% of the total influx in the country.
In the past three years, the maximum growth in GCCs in Pune was observed in FY25, with 62 companies opening their offices. This was followed by 48 companies in FY24 and 25 companies in the current year. The total number of GCCs in Pune is expected to grow to up to 680 by FY30.
These 500 units now employ 2.2 lakh tech professionals in the city. The top 10 GCCs in Pune alone account for up to 46,000 employees, as per the report. The city's robust office spaces and availability of tech talent have been key factors driving this surge.
GCCs in Pune are benefiting from a talent pool drawn from neighboring cities such as Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Kolhapur. The lower cost of business and attrition compared to other cities further enhances Pune's appeal. “With its strong talent, infrastructure, and innovation, Pune offers a unique opportunity to go beyond execution and build centres that deliver enterprise-wide value and transformation for global organisations,” said Shalini Pillay, partner and India leader, GCCs, KPMG in India.
Over the past two decades, the GCC model has evolved from cost-driven back-office operations to critical hubs. Smitha Hemmigae, managing director of ANSR, noted, “At the heart of this transformation is a shift in talent strategy. Organisations are now prioritising professionals who combine deep expertise in technology with a broad understanding of business contexts.”
However, the report also highlights some challenges that Pune faces in further growing the GCC sector. The lack of last-mile connectivity, particularly the unfinished metro line from Shivajinagar to Hinjewadi, poses a significant issue. Additionally, the city lacks direct airport connectivity to major global destinations, which can be a deterrent for foreign delegates. Pune is also perceived primarily as an engineering and manufacturing hub rather than an innovation city, and it has fewer roadshows, centres of excellence, and GCC summits compared to other cities.
Despite these challenges, Pune's strategic location, robust talent base, and favorable business environment make it an attractive destination for global companies looking to set up their GCCs. The city's continued growth in this sector is expected to drive further economic development and innovation.
