Is India’s GCC Hiring Surge Indicating a 48% Workforce Expansion in FY26?
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Synopsis
India's Global Capability Centres are set for a hiring boom, with a projected 48% increase in workforce by FY26. This report highlights the focus on early-career talent and challenges in talent retention, reshaping the commercial landscape in India. Discover how GCCs are adapting to these changes.
Key Takeaways
- 48% of GCCs plan to boost workforce in FY26.
- Focus on early-career talent remains strong.
- Talent retention is a growing concern.
- Significant shift towards hybrid roles.
- GCCs leased 28 million square feet of office space in 2024.
New Delhi, July 31 (NationPress) India's Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are gearing up for a significant talent expansion in 2025, with 48% of GCCs intending to boost their workforce beyond 2024 levels, according to a report released on Thursday.
The report highlights that the primary hiring focus for GCCs remains on early-career lateral talent (1–5 years), as they seek to balance cost, capability, and flexibility.
Taggd, a recruitment firm, along with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and JLL India, stated, "Hiring sentiment for FY26 stays robust with 48% of GCCs expected to increase hiring, while 19% will sustain hiring levels akin to FY24."
GCCs are pivotal in India’s growth narrative this year. Devashish Sharma, CEO of Taggd, remarked, "For leaders building or scaling GCCs, India’s unique context necessitates a strategic, location-aware, and talent-centric approach that transcends global playbooks."
As talent churn escalates, nearly 40% of hiring in 2025 is anticipated to be replacement hires, indicating a rising challenge in talent retention within India’s GCCs.
Average tenure expectations have significantly declined, with Gen Z professionals preferring not to remain in the same role for more than 18-24 months due to factors such as limited career advancement and role stagnation.
The report noted, "Nearly 90% of GCCs expect up to 50% of their hiring in FY26 to focus on building from within."
The growth of GCCs in India continues to transform the commercial landscape. Organizations are adopting distributed workforce strategies, leading to a notable shift in their real estate requirements, according to Ajit Kumar, Managing Director – Work Dynamics Accounts, West Asia at JLL India.
In 2024, GCCs leased a remarkable 28 million square feet of office space, with strong activity persisting into early 2025.
The report also indicated that 78% of hiring is projected for hybrid roles. The flex segment has emerged as the second largest occupier segment in the country regarding annual leasing activity, primarily driven by enterprise demand for managed space solutions.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the evolving landscape of India's Global Capability Centres. With significant workforce expansions expected, the focus on early-career talent is crucial. However, challenges in talent retention must be addressed to sustain growth. This trend underscores India's potential in the global market.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of GCCs plan to expand their workforce?
According to the report, 48% of GCCs are planning to increase their workforce in FY26.
What type of talent are GCCs primarily hiring?
GCCs are primarily focusing on early-career lateral talent with 1 to 5 years of experience.
What challenge is GCCs facing regarding talent?
Talent churn is rising, with nearly 40% of hiring expected to be for replacement hires, indicating retention challenges.
What is the trend in average tenure expectations among professionals?
Average tenure expectations have decreased significantly, with Gen Z preferring not to stay in the same role for more than 18-24 months.
How much office space did GCCs lease in 2024?
GCCs leased a record 28 million square feet of office space in 2024.
