Is India's Global Capability Centres' Hiring on the Rise?
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Synopsis
India's GCCs are witnessing a notable 5-7% increase in hiring, showcasing a strategic shift towards capability enhancement rather than mere headcount growth. This trend is fueled by demand for AI, data management, and FinOps roles across various industries, indicating a dynamic evolution in the sector.
Key Takeaways
- 5-7% QoQ hiring growth in Q2 FY26.
- Focus on capability enhancement over headcount increase.
- High demand for roles in AI, FinOps, and data management.
- Major sectors driving growth include BFSI and Manufacturing.
- India's GCCs are on track for 2.5 million jobs by 2030.
New Delhi, Oct 15 (NationPress) India's global capability centres (GCCs) have experienced a consistent 5-7% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) increase in hiring during the second quarter of the current fiscal year (Q2 FY26), according to a report released on Wednesday.
The quarter reflects an ongoing emphasis on enhancing capability rather than merely increasing headcount, with the majority of demand originating from AI and data, platform engineering, cloud and financial operations (FinOps), as well as cybersecurity roles.
“Industries such as BFSI, Manufacturing, Automotive, Energy, Technology, and Hardware have emerged as the cornerstone of GCC growth, driven by AI-enabled credit and risk operations in BFSI, EV and smart factory initiatives in manufacturing, and semiconductor and embedded AI development in the tech sector,” stated Quess Corp, a staffing and workforce solutions firm, in its report.
The findings indicate that hiring budgets are increasingly directed towards revenue-critical and resilience-focused functions, which are generating sustained demand for platform engineering, data management, and FinOps roles that support these initiatives.
Bengaluru led GCC hiring during the July-September period, accounting for a 26% share, followed by Hyderabad (22%), Pune (15%), and Chennai (12%).
Bengaluru exhibited robust growth in advanced AI and FinOps roles, while Hyderabad gained traction in multi-cloud integration and data reliability, as highlighted in the report.
“India’s GCC evolution is now entering its most strategic phase, characterized by precision over proliferation. Q2 demonstrated a measured 5-7% QoQ hiring growth, indicating a shift towards capability-led maturity, with AI, FinOps, and platform reliability emerging as key priorities,” remarked Kapil Joshi, CEO of IT Staffing at Quess Corp.
Hiring in AI and Data Science saw an 8% increase, and cloud hiring driven by FinOps rose by 6%, highlighting enterprises' focus on performance and cost optimization, he added.
India currently hosts approximately 1,850 active GCCs and employs over 2 million professionals, with the ecosystem projected to reach 2.5 million by 2030.
The report emphasized that sustainable growth will hinge on strengthening tier-2 delivery, investing in skill development, and adopting capability-based operating models across centres.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize India's strategic transition within the GCC landscape. This shift towards capability-led hiring reflects not just resilience but also the ability to adapt to emerging technologies and market demands. The emphasis on skill development is essential for sustainable growth and competitiveness on a global scale.
NationPress
15/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the percentage increase in hiring for India's GCCs in Q2 FY26?
5-7% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) increase.
Which sectors are driving demand in GCC hiring?
Key sectors include BFSI, Manufacturing, Automotive, Energy, Technology, and Hardware.
What roles are in high demand within GCCs?
High-demand roles include AI, data management, platform engineering, FinOps, and cybersecurity.
How many active GCCs are there in India?
India hosts approximately 1,850 active GCCs.
What is the projected employment in GCCs by 2030?
The ecosystem is expected to reach 2.5 million professionals by 2030.
