Embark, a premier, fully integrated platform dedicated to accelerating the establishment and expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India, has launched a web-based GCC Calculator that provides companies with an instant estimate of the fully loaded cost of setting up and running a GCC in India. The calculator also serves as a benchmarking tool for companies that already operate GCCs in India, enabling them to review and validate their existing cost structures.
The calculator requires users to enter basic details such as team size, roles and HQ location, following which it generates a cost model covering compensation, benefits, real estate, technology, infrastructure, compliance and one-time set-up costs. It also benchmarks the cost against what the same team would cost in the company’s home market.
“As India’s GCC ecosystem continues to grow, with around 2,100 GCCs in the country, the market is expanding beyond large enterprises to mid-market companies evaluating India as a strategic destination. However, credible cost data has traditionally been accessible only through consultant-led engagements, making it difficult for early-stage decision-makers to build a business case. The calculator addresses this gap by replacing lengthy, consultant-led cost discovery with an instant, self-serve assessment. This tool provides a transparent, decision-grade, fully loaded view of the total cost of ownership, helping decision-makers assess the opportunity faster and build a stronger business case,” said Aravind Maiya, Co-Founder and CEO, Embark.
Key features of the calculator include:
- Fully loaded cost modelling – provides a comprehensive cost view beyond salary-only estimates
- Multi-geography, sector and currency support – enables global CXOs to assess costs relevant to their market
- Built-in CapEx amortisation – accounts for one-time set-up costs for a more realistic cost estimate
- Multiple locations and roles – covers key Indian locations and a range of talent profiles
- Instant and self-serve – provides an estimate without requiring a sales call
The GCC Calculator uses a fully loaded cost methodology that goes beyond salary comparisons to account for the key costs involved in setting up and operating a GCC, including compensation, benefits, real estate, technology, compliance and CapEx. The model is informed by Embark’s on-ground delivery experience and market data, providing a realistic view of both set-up and ongoing costs. Unlike conventional salary comparison tools or consultant-owned models, the calculator delivers an instant, transparent view of total cost of ownership, enabling organisations to compare locations, evaluate different team structures and make informed decisions on GCC investments.