Will India’s IT job demand hit 1.8 million in 2025 due to GCCs and product-led firms?
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Synopsis
India's IT job demand is set to reach 1.8 million roles in 2025, driven by GCCs and product-led companies. This article explores the emerging trends in hiring, the shift towards digital skills, and the impact on various job roles.
Key Takeaways
- India's IT job demand is projected to reach 1.8 million roles by 2025.
- GCCs will contribute significantly to hiring needs.
- Emerging digital skills are becoming increasingly important.
- Mid-career professionals are the majority in hiring.
- Average time-to-hire has increased for niche roles.
New Delhi, Dec 23 (NationPress) The demand for IT jobs in India is projected to surge to 1.8 million roles by 2025, reflecting a 16 percent increase from the prior year, driven largely by Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and product-oriented companies, according to a recent report.
The analysis from talent solutions expert Quess Corp indicates that GCCs will contribute approximately 27 percent of total IT hiring needs in 2025, a significant rise from 15 percent in 2024. Meanwhile, product and SaaS firms are engaging in selective recruitment, whereas IT services and consulting sectors are experiencing modest growth.
Notably, startup hiring has plummeted to low single-digit percentages amid a backdrop of funding constraints.
Professionals with mid-career experience, ranging from four to ten years, represent 65 percent of hiring, up from 50 percent in 2024. Entry-level positions, meanwhile, account for 15 percent as employers prioritize productivity-ready candidates.
The demand for skills is increasingly shifting towards emerging digital fields, with AI/ML, cloud engineering, DevOps, and cybersecurity roles significantly outpacing traditional software positions, making up over half of the hiring landscape.
Next-generation roles are also seeing salary premiums ranging from 10 to 40 percent for specialists in Generative AI, MLOps, AI ethics, governance, FinOps, cyber threat intelligence, and platform engineering.
Skills in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity are experiencing heightened interest, highlighting the growing complexity of roles being established in India. This trend indicates a technology hiring market that is gradually moving up the value chain, laying a positive foundation for 2026, as stated by Kapil Joshi, CEO of IT Staffing at Quess Corp.
Hiring remains concentrated in Tier-1 cities, which account for 88-90 percent of demand, led by cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR, while Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities contribute a mere 10-12 percent.
The average time-to-hire has lengthened to 45-60 days in 2025, extending to 75-90 days for niche skill sets such as AI/ML and cybersecurity. Additionally, contract roles have risen to approximately 10-11 percent of demand, up from around 8 percent in 2024.
Point of View
The IT job market in India showcases a significant evolution influenced by emerging technologies. The shift towards GCCs and product-led firms indicates a robust demand for skilled professionals. It reflects a growing emphasis on advanced digital skills, which will likely shape the future workforce landscape. The concentration of hiring in major urban centers underscores the need for regional development in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to balance opportunities.
NationPress
23/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the projected IT job demand in India for 2025?
The projected IT job demand in India for 2025 is expected to reach 1.8 million roles.
Which sectors are driving IT job growth in India?
The growth in IT jobs is primarily driven by Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and product-led companies.
What percentage of IT hiring will GCCs account for in 2025?
GCCs will account for approximately 27 percent of total IT hiring demand in 2025.
What skills are in high demand in the IT sector?
Skills in AI/ML, cloud engineering, DevOps, and cybersecurity are in high demand, with a notable shift away from traditional software roles.
How long is the average time-to-hire for IT roles in 2025?
The average time-to-hire for IT roles has extended to 45-60 days, and up to 75-90 days for niche skills.
