Global capability centres (GCCs) are expected to create 4.25–4.5 lakh new jobs this year, with 35 per cent eyeing 50-100 per cent workforce expansion, according to a report by NLB Services. Alongside, GCCs are expected to generate 1 million jobs in the next six years, with the sector forecasted to employ 3.3 million professionals by CY2030.
In its annual flagship report, ‘India’s Talent Takeoff-The GCC 4.0 story,’ NLB Services underscored India’s positioning as the top GCC destination, with its vast skilled workforce and supportive policies. The report also spotlights that GCCs across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai are poised to drive the demand for freshers in the sector. Signalling commitment to future-ready workforces and equipping youth for next-gen innovation, 42 per cent of GCCs are likely to bolster their workforce with a 50 per cent surge by CY2030.
GCC hub
Sachin Alug, CEO, of NLB Services, said, “India’s position as a global GCC hub continues to strengthen, with the number of centres expected to grow to 2,100-plus by 2030, driving a market size nearing $100 billion. As we are gearing up for GCC 4.0, workforce synergies will be of utmost priority. The ‘India’s Talent Take off-The GCC 4.0 story’ report offers a comprehensive outlook on the Indian GCC hiring ecosystem and it is interesting to note the evolution of GCCs beyond core tech. However, as hiring in India’s GCCs increases across functions like tech, finance, manufacturing, and sustainability, the need for critical high-demand skills like Financial Services will lead the way.”
He added, “Over the last three years, India has also witnessed the emergence of new GCC hubs, and GCCs are fast outpacing IT Services in job creation. The recent introduction of the national framework in the FY26 budget will further propel GCC growth across Tier-II and Tier-III locations, and the demand for niche skills will continue to rise.”
NLB’s report findings indicate Bengaluru is likely to lead India’s GCC hubs with 27 per cent hiring growth, impacting the IT and R&D ecosystem due to rising demand for AI, Data Science, and Cloud Computing professionals. Following closely, Mumbai is set for 23 per cent growth, driven by the financial services and consulting sectors. Chennai ranks third at 19 per cent forecast, supported by its strengths in engineering and manufacturing.
Meanwhile, Hyderabad is eyeing an 11 per cent increase in hiring within technology and life sciences. Delhi and Pune both eye 10 per cent growth, with Delhi thriving in professional services and Pune in automotive and digital transformation sectors. The report further indicates that GCCs are offering higher salaries and investing in specialized talent to drive global innovation. As GCCs compete for top talent, their premium compensation strategy distinguishes them from traditional IT sectors.
The primary driver of this premium compensation is the demand for niche skills like AI, cloud computing and advanced analytics. A majority, 66 per cent, believe GCCs offer higher salaries due to the need for data science, AI, and automation expertise, along with global exposure and faster career advancement.
While 18 per cent favour IT services and 16 per cent eye both sectors as equally competitive, GCCs are expected to be top payers in Hyderabad and Mumbai, particularly in IT software & consulting and banking/financial services. Delhi/NCR and Bengaluru will also remain competitive, especially in telecom & Internet Services.