Explore how Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are reshaping India’s tech hiring landscape in 2025, overtaking traditional IT firms with better growth, global exposure, and innovation-driven jobs.
India’s technology sector is witnessing a major transformation in 2025. While IT services firms once dominated hiring, Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are now taking center stage. These multinational-led hubs are redefining how tech professionals choose jobs, where they work, and what they value in a career.
Today, we break down why GCCs are growing faster than traditional IT firms, what this means for India’s workforce, and what companies and job seekers should keep in mind.
- What Are Global Capability Centers (GCCs)?
GCCs are offshore units set up by multinational companies to handle key operations like product development, R&D, analytics, and more. GCCs are no longer just back-office support hubs, they now drive innovation, manage core functions, and deliver business value globally.
- The Indian Tech Sector Is Growing but Hiring Is Changing
Projected Growth:
India’s tech industry is expected to hit around US$300 billion in revenue by FY 2026-27.
New Hiring Trends:
While the sector added around 126,000 net new jobs in FY 2024-25, GCCs accounted for 100,000+ of these, leaving about 11,000 to large IT firms.
For the second year in a row, GCCs are leading in net hiring, showing a clear shift in workforce demand.
- Why GCCs Are Outpacing Traditional IT Firms
Innovation & Strategy:
MNCs are scaling their India-based centers for innovation, efficiency, and cost optimization.
Balanced Export Revenue:
As of 2025, Indian IT firms and GCCs are both contributing around US$112 billion each in export revenue, a 50:50 split that marks a remarkable shift.
- Workforce Preferences Are Evolving Fast
Millennials & Gen Z Drivers:
According to NASSCOM’s Future of Work report, younger professionals prioritize financial growth and learning opportunities.
Post-Pandemic Shift:
The pandemic has reset expectations. Employees now seek flexibility, work-life balance, and purpose, factors where GCCs lead.
- Mid-Level Talent Is in Demand
Focus Areas:
Companies now prefer mid-level professionals with experience in leadership, product management, and tech architecture.
Hiring Hotspots:
Cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Chennai are becoming hubs for this kind of specialized hiring.
- GCCs Are Expanding Rapidly
GCC Footprint in India:
India has nearly 1,700+ GCCs employing around 1.9 million people, compared to 5.4 million in IT/ITES.
2025 Hiring Forecast:
GCCs are expected to grow hiring by 18–20%, adding approx. 380,000 jobs.
In Comparison:
IT firms are projected to grow hiring by only 8–10%.
- Key Reasons Why Professionals Prefer GCCs
International Exposure:
Employees get to work on global projects, gaining cross-cultural experience.
Better Compensation:
GCCs offer higher pay, performance bonuses, and attractive perks.
Work-Life Balance:
GCCs are seen as more employee-friendly, with flexible work models and wellness-focused cultures.
- How IT Firms Are Responding
Upgrading Career Paths:
To stay competitive, IT firms are investing in cloud, AI, and cybersecurity to attract skilled professionals.
Hybrid Models Emerging:
Some are creating in-house GCC-style units, offering a mix of global collaboration and core service delivery.
- Smarter Recruitment Strategies
GCC Hiring Tactics:
GCCs are using AI/ML tools, predictive analytics, and bias-free recruitment to improve hiring quality.
Faster, Better Hiring:
They track time-to-hire, quality-of-hire, and candidate experience—leading to more inclusive and effective hiring processes.
- Employee Expectations Have Shifted
What Today’s Workforce Wants:
Beyond salary, professionals look for learning, leadership, and meaningful work.
Career + Life Goals:
Flexible hours, mental health support, and clear growth paths are becoming must-haves.
- Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
Tech Talent Is Evolving:
Companies must upskill employees and redesign roles to stay future-ready.
AI & Automation Influence:
AI is reshaping job roles, which means tech firms need to invest in digital transformation and strategic workforce planning.
GCCs Are Here to Stay:
Their continued rise shows the growing importance of innovation-focused, employee-centric workplaces in India’s tech story.
Ending Thoughts
India’s tech workforce is evolving at lightning speed. With GCCs offering global exposure, better pay, and people-first cultures, traditional IT firms need to rethink how they attract and retain both new and existing talent.
For professionals, the message is clear: invest in your skills, embrace flexibility, and align with companies that value growth and innovation.
“GCCs Future is About Adaptability, Collaboration, and Lifelong Learning.”
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
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