Recently, concrete-filled stainless steel tubular (CFSST) columns pay attention to the modern construction field. CFSST column provides significant advantages over the column such as greater in strength resisting capacity, larger energy dissipation and stiffness. In this research work, experimental studies are carried out to examine the behavior of geopolymer concrete mixed with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) filled stainless steel tubular (GCFSST) column and compared with geopolymer concrete mixed with GGBS filled mild steel tubular (GCFMST) column under axial compressive load. The result reveals that the GCFSST column shows a 7.05% strength enhancement in ultimate load-bearing capacity for the L/D ratio of 5.33 when compared with GCFMST column. Also, experimental values authenticated with the theoretical values calculated based on relevant code specifications show that the ultimate strength obtained is higher than the calculated theoretical values. Also, stainless steel tubes as an outer core material improve the load-bearing capacity of the GCFSST columns. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.