Are Core VLSI Skills Responsible for 48% of Job Openings in India’s Semiconductor Design GCCs?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Explore how core VLSI skills are shaping the job market in India's semiconductor industry. A recent report highlights a shift towards specialized talent in Global Capability Centres, amidst a backdrop of declining job openings. Discover the areas of growth and what this means for the future of innovation in the sector.
Key Takeaways
- Core VLSI skills account for 48% of job openings.
- Job openings in semiconductor design GCCs have decreased by 22%.
- Over 2,800 new roles were created in FY26 Q1.
- Focus areas include digital design, verification, and system software.
- The number of semiconductor design GCCs rose to 79 in 2025.
Bengaluru, Sep 24 (NationPress) Core VLSI skills are fueling almost half of the job openings in India's semiconductor design Global Capability Centres (GCCs), according to a recent report released on Wednesday.
The analysis conducted by Careernet indicates a trend where companies are moving away from bulk hiring towards seeking specialized and high-value talent.
The findings show a 22% decrease in open positions across the top 50 semiconductor design GCCs, falling from an average of 3,684 in Q1 FY25 to 2,874 in Q1 FY26.
In spite of this decline, over 2,800 new roles were introduced in the first quarter of FY26, emphasizing the rising significance of specialized skills within the sector.
The demand for hiring is predominantly driven by core VLSI skills, which make up 48% of job openings, followed by system and application software roles at 35%, and business operations or IT support at 17%.
Among these categories, digital design, verification, and system software roles have become the primary areas of focus.
There is also a consistent need for expertise in physical design, analogue, embedded systems, and firmware.
The report titled ‘India's Semiconductor Design GCC Talent Ecosystem’ further noted the growth of the ecosystem, revealing an increase in the number of semiconductor design GCCs in India from 70 to 79 in 2025, marking a nearly 13% growth within a single year.
While larger firms are reducing their hiring efforts, smaller companies continue to create jobs intermittently.
However, the overarching trend is evident: companies are emphasizing critical roles that significantly contribute to innovation and product development.
Neelabh Shukla, Chief Business Officer at Careernet, stated that India is establishing itself as a crucial player in the global semiconductor landscape.
“The semiconductor sector is central to global growth, yet the supply chain remains vulnerable due to its concentration in limited areas. India is rising to bridge this gap, not merely as a manufacturing hub but also as a center for innovation and design,” he explained.
Point of View
The data underlines the critical need for specialized skills in India's semiconductor sector. While larger companies may be tightening their hiring strategies, the growth of smaller firms indicates a resilient job market. This shift towards specialization not only enhances innovation but also positions India as a key player in the global semiconductor industry.
NationPress
11/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills are most in demand in India's semiconductor industry?
Core VLSI skills are currently the most sought-after, accounting for 48% of job openings, followed by system and application software roles.
How many semiconductor design GCCs are there in India?
As of 2025, there are 79 semiconductor design GCCs in India, reflecting a growth from 70 the previous year.
What does the decline in job openings signify?
The decline in job openings indicates a shift towards hiring specialized talent rather than mass recruitment, emphasizing the industry's focus on innovation.
Who is leading the hiring demand?
The hiring demand is primarily led by companies seeking talent with core VLSI skills.
What is the future outlook for the semiconductor job market in India?
The future appears promising, with over 2,800 new roles created in the first quarter of FY26, highlighting the continued importance of specialized skills.
