India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are set to expand their workforce significantly in 2025, with hiring expected to increase by 27% compared to the previous year. This marks the second consecutive year that GCCs are outpacing traditional IT services firms in job creation.The hiring surge is driven by a rising demand for domain experts and specialized skills, particularly in engineering research and development (ER&D), artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and data analytics. As global companies continue to expand their operations in India, GCCs are emerging as key players in the job market, providing high-value employment opportunities across multiple industries.According to HR experts quoted by Business Standard, ER&D hiring within GCCs is expected to grow by 31%, driven by sectors such as automotive, aerospace, banking, and healthcare. Meanwhile, hiring for non-ER&D roles is projected to be slower.
GCCs Outperforming IT Services in Job Creation
The GCC sector has witnessed tremendous growth in employment numbers. In the financial year 2024-25 (FY25), GCCs in India added nearly 1,40,000 new employees, more than double the 60,000 hires recorded in FY24. By FY26, the workforce within GCCs is projected to reach 1,80,000, with around 100 new GCCs set to commence operations across India.India currently hosts over 1,760 GCCs, with a growing emphasis on high-value services, ER&D, and advanced technology roles. This shift indicates a transformation in the industry, where GCCs are moving beyond back-office operations and focusing on high-end, specialized work.Meanwhile, India’s top five IT services firms have reported significantly lower hiring numbers, announcing recruitment plans for 80,000-84,000 freshers in FY26. In contrast, these firms added only 11,000 new employees in the first nine months of FY25, compared to just 5,190 in the previous year.The slowdown in IT hiring has been attributed to sluggish demand, increased automation, and the widespread adoption of AI-powered coding solutions.An industry expert explained to Business Standard that while major IT firms such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Accenture, and Cognizant traditionally accounted for a significant portion of campus hiring, they are now prioritizing experienced professionals with niche skills over freshers.
Why Are GCCs Hiring More?
The rising demand for specialized talent, combined with increased government incentives and evolving industry needs, has led to the rapid expansion of GCC hiring.According to Kedar Pathak, a GCC specialist at Xpheno, India is witnessing a surge in recruitment activity in sectors such as oil & gas, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals, which is further boosting GCC hiring."The year ahead will be a turning point, with a noticeable shift in the value of talent deployed to GCCs," he added.
High Demand for Niche Skills
GCCs are actively seeking professionals with expertise in:
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
- Data Analytics and Data Governance
- Cloud Computing and Automation
Earlier, GCCs primarily hired engineers skilled in .Net, Python, and Java for backend roles. However, they are now outsourcing basic roles to IT vendors and focusing on hiring high-end talent in specialized fields.According to Aveek Mukherjee, managing director and co-founder of Gloplax Solutions, this shift has created a surge in demand for niche talent, making GCCs more attractive to skilled professionals.
GCCs Offering Higher Salaries Than IT Services Firms
One of the key reasons professionals are shifting to GCCs is better salary packages."These centers pay for domain expertise and advanced technology skills, often offering 20-25% higher salaries than traditional IT services firms," said Neeti Sharma, CEO of TeamLease Digital.This makes GCCs an attractive option not only for IT professionals but also for experts from banking, healthcare, and high-tech industries."For someone with a few years of experience in a BFSI GCC, their demand and earning potential rise sharply compared to working in traditional IT services," Sharma added.
The Future of GCCs in India
The rapid growth of GCCs is reshaping India’s job market, creating a new talent ecosystem that favors high-end, skill-based employment over volume hiring. As multinational corporations continue to expand their GCC operations, they are positioning India as a global hub for engineering R&D, AI, and cybersecurity talent.With higher salaries, stronger job security, and better career progression, GCCs are expected to dominate hiring trends in 2025 and beyond. For skilled professionals, particularly those with expertise in AI, data science, and cybersecurity, GCCs present lucrative career opportunities that extend beyond the traditional IT services industry.As 100 new GCCs prepare to launch operations in India by FY26, the sector is set to create even more job opportunities—solidifying India’s position as a leading global talent hub.
