India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are becoming more selective in hiring as artificial intelligence transforms job roles and increases demand for advanced technology skills. Industry leaders say companies are continuing to hire, but finding professionals with the right mix of AI expertise and adaptability is becoming increasingly difficult.
“I think the color for every job and role will change … The biggest challenge is to get the right talent with the right AI skill,” said Puneet Chandok, president of Microsoft India and South Asia.
GCCs in India handle critical global operations for multinational companies, including automotive design, cloud transformation, healthcare research, and digital innovation. According to a recent industry report, India is expected to have 2,117 GCCs by the end of fiscal 2026, nearly 500 more than in 2021. These centres are projected to employ 2.36 million people and generate nearly $100 billion in revenue.
However, as AI and automation become central to business operations, companies are now prioritising specialised skills in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies over traditional hiring models.
“There’s a lot of need around niche talents in the space of AI, cybersecurity…,” said Radhakrishnan Kodakkal, head of Daimler Truck Innovation Center India. He added that competition for skilled talent is becoming more intense.
Executives also highlighted that entry-level hiring could shrink as AI increasingly handles routine tasks. A joint industry report revealed that 40% of employers now prefer AI certifications and demonstrable skills over degrees, while another 32% value both equally.
“(The) zero-to-two-years experience … will go away is my assumption in the next few years,” said Deena Dayalan, global head of digital operations and cloud transformation at Kimberly Clark.
To address the growing skills gap, companies are investing in reskilling programmes and partnering with educational institutions to align learning with industry needs. According to the report, 73% of HR leaders have raised concerns over widening skill gaps in the workforce.
IBM India head Sandip Patel stressed the need for collaboration between industry, government, and academia, saying, “I look at it as more as trifecta. So, it’s industry, government and academia – they have to work together.”
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