Launching a Global Capability Center (GCC) in India sounds exciting — but how long does it actually take?
If you’re thinking “a few months, maybe,” the real answer is more complex. Setting up a high-performing GCC involves multiple stages: strategic planning, legal setup, talent building, and operational ramp-up. Each phase carries its own challenges and timelines.
According to Nasscom, India remains the top destination for global centers, hosting over 1,580 GCCs by 2024 — and growing fast.
This guide breaks down what really happens at each step, why it takes time, and how you can plan smarter for success.
Understanding the GCC Setup Journey: A Step-by-Step View
Setting up a Global Capability Center (GCC) in India is a strategic move, but it needs careful planning. The timeline depends on factors like location, regulatory approvals, talent availability, and infrastructure setup.
Companies that plan smartly can launch faster. Those who underestimate complexities often face costly delays. Understanding each phase can help you predict your GCC’s time-to-launch more accurately — and avoid common bottlenecks.
Phase 1 — Feasibility Study and Strategic Planning (1–2 Months)
Before anything else, companies must validate whether setting up a GCC makes business sense. This phase demands detailed market research, cost modeling, and risk analysis.
Key Activities:
- Analyze talent availability and salary benchmarks across Indian cities
- Compare operational costs (office space, utilities, legal fees)
- Evaluate city ecosystems: infrastructure quality, airport access, ease of doing business
- Build a business case: cost-benefit analysis, five-year projections
- Get Board/CXO level approvals internally
Challenges that cause delays:
- Lack of clear objectives (cost-saving vs innovation vs R&D focus)
- Incomplete understanding of Indian market realities
Companies that skip thorough planning often face major resets later, losing both time and money.
Phase 2 — Entity Incorporation and Legal Formalities (2–4 Months)
Setting up a legal entity in India involves multiple regulatory steps. Government processes have improved but still require precise documentation and compliance.
Key Activities:
- Register a Private Limited company with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
- Obtain PAN, TAN, GST registrations.
- Set up company bank accounts.
- Apply for industry-specific licenses if necessary (e.g., STPI, SEZ).
Typical Timelines:
- Company incorporation: ~3–6 weeks
- Banking setup: ~2–3 weeks
- Tax and regulatory registrations: ~3–6 weeks
Challenges that cause delays:
- Incorrect or incomplete paperwork
- Local director requirements (at least one resident director needed)
- Delays in bank account activation for foreign-owned entities
Phase 3 — Talent Acquisition and Infrastructure Setup (3–6 Months)
Hiring the right leadership and building operational capability is the heartbeat of a successful GCC.
Key Activities:
- Recruit a GCC Head (Site Leader) — experienced in scaling teams and India operations.
- Hire leadership for HR, Finance, IT, Engineering/Product.
- Set up office space: either temporary coworking or permanent lease.
- Establish IT infrastructure: networking, cybersecurity, software licensing.
Challenges that cause delays:
- India has deep talent pools, but competition is fierce — especially for leadership roles.
- Office buildouts often take longer than expected due to customization needs.
- Local labor laws and compliance must be integrated into HR processes from Day 1.
Insight:
Starting with a strong leadership nucleus (5–10 senior hires) before ramping to larger teams is often faster and more sustainable.
Phase 4 — Operational Launch and Scaling (6–12 Months)
Even after the team is hired, establishing operational rhythm takes months of structured effort.
Key Activities:
- Set up HR, Finance, Admin, IT, and other internal service departments.
- Develop governance frameworks (reporting lines, performance metrics, compliance audits).
- Start pilot projects or limited work streams.
- Gradually expand team sizes in engineering, analytics, or customer support functions.
Challenges that cause delays:
- Misalignment between India teams and HQ expectations
- Lack of onboarding programs and cross-cultural integration
- Regulatory audits and compliance checks not being fully ready
The first 12–18 months are critical for establishing credibility internally (with global HQ) and externally (with clients or customers).
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Average GCC Setup Timeline in India
| Phase | Estimated Time |
| Strategic Planning | 1–2 months |
| Legal Entity Setup | 2–4 months |
| Talent + Infrastructure Setup | 3–6 months |
| Operational Launch | 6–12 months |
| Total | 9–18 months |
Some companies accelerate setup by working with specialist partners for talent, infrastructure, and compliance advisory. However, even the fastest builds need thoughtful execution to ensure long-term success.
Conclusion
Setting up a Global Capability Center (GCC) in India is a multi-phase journey that demands careful planning, legal compliance, and strong leadership execution. While the average timeline spans 9 to 18 months, companies that approach each phase methodically are better positioned to launch faster and build sustainable operations.
Key factors like city selection, leadership hiring, regulatory readiness, and infrastructure planning directly impact how quickly a GCC becomes fully operational. Rushing through critical steps can often lead to delays later, while investing time upfront in strategic planning pays dividends long-term.
For organizations willing to navigate the complexity thoughtfully, India offers unmatched advantages — access to deep talent pools, cost efficiencies, innovation ecosystems, and a growing network of global centers. A well-executed GCC not only supports business scalability but also strengthens a company’s competitive edge in today’s digital economy.
FAQs
Can a GCC be fully operational in less than a year?
Yes, with aggressive planning and expert partners, some GCCs go live in 6–9 months.
However, full scaling to 300+ employees may still take 12–18 months.
What causes the biggest delays in setting up a GCC?
The most common causes are regulatory bottlenecks, leadership hiring challenges, and misaligned governance processes.
Which Indian cities offer the fastest setup pathways?
Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Indore are the top cities offering mature ecosystems and faster setup timelines.
How important is a strong leadership team in the first year?
Extremely important. The right leaders ensure smoother hiring, cultural integration, process maturity, and brand-building in India.
How can Supersourcing help set up a GCC in India faster?
Supersourcing specializes in helping companies set up Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India efficiently and compliantly. From talent sourcing to office space, legal formalities, and operational management, Supersourcing acts as an end-to-end partner.