GCCs or 'Global Capability Centres' are also commonly known as Global In-house Centers (GICs) or Captive Centers. While there is no globally accepted definition of GCCs, GCCs are essentially units set up by companies  

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Below are some definitions afforded to GCCs and GICs across Indian GCC policies, while these are specifically for the respective state policy these are useful to get a grasp of what is the length and breadth of a GCC.​

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Special Scheme to promote GCCs in Tamil Nadu 2024 defines a GCC under paragraph 2.I of the order as an "establishment which is a captive knowledge centre of Multi-National Companies servicing the parent/group/subsidiary entities. It should be engaged in activities such as design, Research & Development, data analytics, financial and other expert services with clearly demarcated facility(ies) within Tamil Nadu".

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Karnataka Global Capability Centres (GCC) Policy 2024 defines a GCC as "fully owned, integrated hubs established by multinational corporations that are headquartered outside India, to leverage global talent, build intellectual property, and enhance operational efficiency. These centres serve the parent organization, managing a range of global functions like research and development, IT services, business process outsourcing, and more, ultimately driving innovation, reducing costs, value addition, and expanding the corporation's global impact".

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Uttar Pradesh Global Capability Centres Policy 2024 defines a GCC under Clause 4.14 as a "Global In-house Centre or an Offshore Unit established by any Multinational Corporation (MNC) or Indian Company, which is fully owned and operated by the parent company and provides specialized services for the parent company in information technology, R&D, finance, HR and other back-office operations. Although following activities on third party basis shall NOT be eligible as GCC under this policy – a) Service providers for Technology, Engineering, Operations, Digital functions or Integrators supporting Product/ Solution/ Platform Development b) Staffing companies generating revenue by outsourcing talent or contingency staff c) Pure play sales entities selling products or customized tools/ software to India and nearby regions d) Professional Services companies."

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Gujarat Global Capability Center (GCC) Policy (2025-30) defines a GCC under paragraph 2.4.8.A as "Centers established by multinational or domestic companies to enhance operational efficiency. These centers support their parent organizations by managing various global functions, driving innovation, and delivering value across sectors like Banking, Capital Markets & financial Services, Engineering R&D, Consumer, Retail & ecommerce, Travel & Transportation, Technology, Media & Telecom, Automotive, Power & Utilities, Industrial Manufacturing, Chemicals & materials, and Healthcare & Life Sciences etc. GCCs play a key role in optimizing processes, fostering innovation, and contributing to the overall strategic goals of the organization". 

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Madhya Pradesh Global Capability Centers Policy 2025 defines a GCC as "centralized units that handles specific business functions for multinational corporations, such as finance, HR, procurement, and Operational scope would include internal back-office operations, shared services, and Centers of excellence, R&D but would exclude typical IT and ITES services like software development, BPO, and call Centers for third party clients".

 

International Financial Services Centres Authority (Global In-House Centres) Regulations, 2020 defines a Global In-House Centres under Regulation 2(1)(e) as "a unit set up in the International Financial Services Centre for providing support services, directly or indirectly, to entities within its financial services group, including but not limited to banks and non-banking financial companies, financial intermediaries, investment banks, insurance companies, re-insurance companies, actuaries, brokerage firms, funds, stock exchanges, clearing houses, depositories, and custodians, for carrying out a financial service in respect of a financial product".