Karnataka: India's GCC Capital
Karnataka's IT/ITES Policy 2020-25 is the foundational document for state incentives. Capital subsidy of 20-25% on eligible fixed capital investment (plant and machinery) for entities investing INR 50 crore or more. Stamp duty exemption: 100% waiver on lease deeds for premises in designated IT parks and SEZ units. This is significant - a 5-year lease on 50,000 sq ft at INR 80/sq ft/month has a stamp duty value of approximately INR 2.4 crore; the 100% exemption saves that entire amount.
The Invest Karnataka single-window system (investment.karnataka.gov.in) commits to 30 working days for approvals. KIADB (Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board) provides land in IT parks at subsidized rates for investments above defined thresholds. The state's TEJAS (Technology Enabled Jobs and Skills) program offers training subsidies for companies that commit to employing a minimum number of Karnataka state domicile employees.
Karnataka IT policy is being revised for 2025-30
The Karnataka IT/ITES Policy 2020-25 is being replaced. Verify the current policy document at Invest Karnataka before structuring incentive claims - the 2025-30 policy may modify subsidy thresholds and eligible activities.
Telangana: The Most Aggressive Incentive State
Telangana's IT Policy 2021-26 and the T-Hub ecosystem make it arguably the most pro-GCC state policy environment currently. Key benefits: 100% stamp duty exemption for IT/ITES lease agreements, 25% capital subsidy on fixed assets for investments above INR 50 crore, and 5-year SGST reimbursement for eligible IT/ITES investments (this is a significant cash benefit - SGST is 9% of the 18% GST on eligible expenses).
TS-iPASS (Telangana State Industrial Project Approval and Self-Certification System) provides statutory approvals including environmental clearance, factory licensing, and building permission within 15 working days by self-certification. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) facilitates fast-track land allocation in designated IT corridors.
T-Hub, operated in partnership with the Telangana government, provides GCCs access to the Hyderabad startup ecosystem for innovation partnerships, giving large GCCs a structured way to engage with Indian product startups for pilot programs.
Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu Incentives
Maharashtra's IT/ITES Policy focuses on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities (Nashik, Aurangabad, Nagpur) in addition to Pune and Mumbai. For Greater Mumbai and Pune, stamp duty for lease agreements in designated IT parks is 0.1% (effectively a near-exemption). Capital subsidy of 15-25% is available for investments in Tier-2/3 cities. MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation) IT parks offer developed plug-and-play space.
Tamil Nadu's Guidance (the state investment agency) offers capital subsidy of 15-20% on plant and machinery for IT investments above INR 10 crore. Power tariff subsidy for IT units: up to INR 1 per unit for qualifying investments. Stamp duty: 100% exemption in designated IT parks and SEZ units. Tamil Nadu also offers a specific 'GCC Incentive Policy 2023' with enhanced incentives for Fortune 500 parent companies establishing GCCs above 500 FTE.
Glossary terms referenced in this guide