Pharma GCCs (Global Capability Centres) in India: Driving Innovation, Jobs, and Growth

India has long been known as the “Pharmacy of the World” for producing affordable medicines at scale. But in recent years, India’s role has expanded beyond manufacturing. Global Capability Centres (GCCs), especially Pharma GCCs (Global Capability Centres), are transforming India into a hub for innovation, research, and high-value employment. 

With over 55 pharma GCCs employing nearly 3 lakh professionals, India is fast climbing the pharma value chain. In this blog, we will explore Pharma GCCs in India are shaping innovation, creating employment, and driving growth for the global pharma industry.

It is because of the efforts of the pharma industry that today India is considered as ‘pharmacy of the world’. (PM Narendra Modi) Source: PIB

What are Global Capability Centres (GCCs)?

GCCs are offshore units set up by multinational companies (MNCs) to handle specialized business, technology, and R&D functions.

Once seen as back-offices focused on cost savings, GCCs (Global Capability Centres) now deliver strategic, innovation-led work.

India hosts 1,580+ GCCs across industries, employing over 1.6 million professionals. Top 6 cities/regions with maximum GCCs are;

• Bengaluru: 42% of GCCs in India from Pharma to IT and more
• Hyderabad: 355 plus GCCs and rising pharma and tech hub
• Chennai: 305 plus GCCs and known for manufacturing, IT and automotive base
• Pune: 360 plus GCC and emerging IT and engineering hub
• Delhi NCR (Noida and Gurugram): 465 plus GCCs and healthcare, consulting, IT BFSI, and ecommerce hub
• Mumbai: 366 plus GCCs with a focus of BFSI-focussed businesses

Emerging Tier II cities in the GCC universe of India

• Coimbatore
• Jaipur
• Vadodara
• Jaipur
• Kochi

(Source: Address Advisors)

Rise of Pharma GCCs in India

Pharma GCCs are dedicated centres established by global pharma and life sciences companies. They handle everything from data management and clinical research to regulatory affairs, AI-driven drug discovery, and digital health solutions.

Snapshot of Pharma GCCs in India

• Total Pharma and Life Sciences GCCs: 55 plus centres
• Total Employees: 3 lakh plus as of September 2025
• Major Hubs: Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai
• Top Players: Novartis, Sanofi, Bristol Myers Squibb, Novo Nordisk, Merck, Eli Lily, and Bayer
• Growth: 50% of these GCCs established in the last 5 years

(Source: Times of India)

Why Pharma Companies Choose India.

Skilled Talent Pool

• Large number of STEM graduates and pharma professionals.
• 75% of sectoral talent concentrated in 3 cities. (Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai)

Cost Advantage + Quality

• Operational costs are lower than Western markets.
• Strong record of producing quality medicines.

Digital & Tech Capabilities

• AI/ML used in drug safety, clinical trial design, and molecule screening.
• Big data analytics, automation, and cloud adoption powering efficiency.

Evolving Ecosystem

• Stronger industry-academia linkages.
• Investments in R&D by global giants.

India’s Place in the Global Pharma Production Ecosystem

• 3rd globally in pharmaceutical production volume
  
• 20% share of global generic medicines supply (largest provider)
  
• 60%+ of global vaccine demand supplied (DPT, BCG, measles)

(Source: Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers)

How Pharma GCCs Are Driving Innovation.

Pharma GCCs in India are moving up from routine tasks to high-value, innovation-focused work:

• R&D and Drug Development: Supporting early-stage research, molecule identification, and trial design.
• Regulatory Affairs: Managing complex global regulatory submissions.
• AI & Machine Learning: Speeding up molecule triaging and clinical trial safety.
• Digital Health Solutions: Developing platforms for patient engagement and remote healthcare.
• Data & Analytics: Using big data for predictive insights and faster decision-making.

Success Story: Novartis Corporate Centre (NCC) India

• Started in Mumbai in 2001 with 20 employees for IT and data tasks.
• Today, it has grown into the largest pharma GCC in India with 8,500+ employees.
• Invested $400 million and expanded to Hyderabad.
• Handles advanced development, R&D, and digital transformation.

Challenges Facing Pharma GCCs in India

While progress is strong, some hurdles remain such as;

• Intellectual Property Protection: Global firms need stronger confidence in India’s IP laws.
• Regulatory Concerns: Complex compliance landscape may slow high-value innovation transfer.
• Innovation Gap: Fundamental drug discovery still happens mainly outside India.
• Talent Competition: Growing demand for digital and life sciences skills creates hiring pressures.

The Future of Pharma GCCs in India.

The outlook is highly promising for Pharma Global Capability Centres in India from backoffices to innovation hubs.

• More global pharma giants are expected to establish or expand GCCs in India.
• AI, genomics, and digital health will be major growth areas.
• Pharma GCCs could move from being “support engines” to global innovation leaders.
• India could become a top global destination for pharma R&D outsourcing.

Pharma GCCs in India as of September 2025: Key Highlights

• 55+ Pharma GCCs across India.
• 3 lakh+ professionals employed.
• 23 of the top 50 global pharma companies have set up centres in India.
• 75% of talent in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
• Focus Areas: R&D, AI/ML, regulatory affairs, digital health.

Conclusion

Pharma GCCs in India are no longer just back-offices. They are central to the global pharmaceutical industry’s innovation and growth. By leveraging India’s talent, technology, and cost advantage, these centres are helping multinationals accelerate drug development, ensure regulatory compliance, and explore the future of healthcare. 

With the right policies and IP protection, India is poised to become a true pharma powerhouse not just in manufacturing, but in research and innovation.

FAQs for Pharma GCCs in India

What is a Pharma GCC?

A Pharma GCC (Global Capability Centre) is an offshore hub set up by a pharma company to manage research, innovation, regulatory, and digital functions.

How many pharma GCCs are in India?

There are over 55 pharma and life sciences GCCs in India as of September 2025.

How many jobs do pharma GCCs create in India?

GCC centres of pharma companies employ over 3 lakh professionals across different functions and locations.

Which cities are hubs for pharma GCCs?

Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai host most pharma GCCs.

What is the future of pharma GCCs in India?

Pharma GCCs are expected to expand into advanced R&D, AI-driven healthcare, and digital health, making India a global hub for innovation.

About Author

I’m Biswajit Singh—a storyteller at the crossroads of business, technology, and current affairs. With a Master’s in Mass Communication and English Literature and 8+ years in SEO content writing, I craft narratives that decode AI, ML, digital trends, and global shifts. My mission: turning complex ideas into content that informs, engages, and inspires.

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