In tune with the CSIR's mission CGCRI's mission statement may be worded as follows:
To provide scientific [and innovative] industrial research and development in the area of glass, ceramics and related materials that maximises the economic, environmental and societal benefit for the people of India.

Envisaged vision for the laboratory over the next 10 years Institute will immerge as A Centre of Excellence in the area of Glass & Ceramics for the Nation.

To carry out basic and applied research in the fields of glass, ceramics, refractories, vitreous enamels, composites and allied materials that can be developed into appropriate technologies relevant to the country's security, economic, industrial and socio-economic needs. To undertake advanced R&D projects which are internationally competitive and public-private partnership projects sponsored by private/public sector enterprises. To provide technical advisory and infra-structural services like project engineering, testing & evaluation, training & education and dissemination of scientific information to the public domain.