India’s Global Capability Centre (GCC) sector is continuing to expand in 2026, but the nature of hiring is changing. GCCs are increasingly looking for professionals with specialised technology and business skills rather than relying only on large-volume recruitment.
Advertisement
The latest data from foundit shows that India recorded 2,27,991 GCC hires in the first half of 2026, an 11% increase from the same period last year. GCC recruitment is projected to reach 5,10,452 jobs for the full year, a 12% increase over 2025 and the first time annual GCC hiring is expected to cross the five-lakh mark.
This growth comes at a time when the broader white-collar hiring market has been weaker. The June 2026 foundit tracker reported a 9% year-on-year decline in overall white-collar hiring, highlighting the stronger performance of GCC recruitment.
From Cost Centres to Capability Hubs
The hiring trend reflects the changing role of GCCs in India. Many centres are moving beyond traditional support and delivery functions and taking greater responsibility for technology, product development, engineering, data and enterprise transformation.
Advertisement
India now has more than 2,100 GCCs employing around 2.36 million professionals, according to the 2026 Nasscom-Zinnov GCC landscape. The sector generates nearly $100 billion in revenue, underlining the growing importance of GCCs to India’s technology and business ecosystem.
The latest hiring demand is particularly strong for specialised capabilities such as:
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Data science and analytics
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud technology
- Software engineering
- Product engineering and R&D
- Digital and enterprise technology
According to foundit, 64% of new GCC roles in 2026 require AI, data science or intelligent automation skills, compared with 11% in 2021. AI, data science and analytics are also the fastest-growing hiring function within the GCC segment, recording 38% year-on-year growth.
Advertisement
Mid-Career Talent Gains Importance
The increasing demand for specialised talent is also changing the experience profile GCCs seek. According to Quess Corp, cited in the Economic Times, GCCs are seeing sharper demand for specialised and mid-career professionals, particularly in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, data analytics and product engineering.
For employers, experienced professionals can bring a combination of technical expertise, domain knowledge and the ability to manage complex projects. This is particularly relevant as GCCs take ownership of products, platforms and advanced technology mandates.
However, the trend does not mean that GCC hiring is closing the door on early-career talent. Instead, it points towards a more skills-led hiring model in which technical capability, domain expertise and the ability to work with emerging technologies are becoming increasingly important.
Technology Leads the Hiring Demand
Technology and software, along with BFSI, account for 56% of GCC hiring. The demand is spread across sectors as companies establish or expand centres to support global technology and business operations.
The shift is also visible in new GCC investments. For example, Charles Schwab recently opened its GCC in Hyderabad and plans to build a workforce of around 2,000 employees in India by the end of 2027, starting with an initial hiring target of 500. The centre will focus on technology development, engineering and operational support.
What It Means for HR
The 2026 GCC hiring trend presents both an opportunity and a challenge for HR leaders. Hiring specialised talent can be difficult when multiple GCCs and technology companies compete for the same skills.
For HR teams, the priorities are likely to include:
- Building stronger internal reskilling and upskilling programmes
- Hiring for skills rather than job titles alone
- Developing AI and data capabilities across existing teams
- Creating career paths for mid-career technology professionals
- Expanding talent sourcing beyond established GCC hubs
- Balancing experienced hiring with early-career talent development
India’s GCC story in 2026 is therefore not simply about creating more jobs. It is increasingly about creating higher-value roles that require specialised skills and deeper expertise.
As GCCs move further from traditional execution work towards product, engineering, AI and enterprise ownership, the competition for experienced and specialised talent is expected to remain strong.
About the Author
Sheetal Singh
Sheetal Singh, Senior News Journalist, SightsIn Plus
View all articles by Sheetal Singh →