GLOBAL CAPABILITY CENTRES DRIVING A SPLIT TRENDS IN INDIAN EMPLOYMENT

By Arjun Desai · 2026-09-28

India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are sending mixed signals to the job market. While some operators have announced layoffs affecting thousands of staff, others are expanding headcounts at a healthy double‑digit rate, especially for roles anchored in artificial intelligence and other high‑value technologies. For job‑seekers, the picture means both caution and opportunity: be ready for restructuring in legacy units, but also position yourself for the fast‑growing AI‑centric openings that are redefining the sector.

LAYOFFS CONTINUE DESPITE GROWTH CLAIMS

Recent reports confirm that GCCs have been trimming staff in 2024‑25. Moneycontrol cites two industry analysts with differing estimates of the scale: EIIRTrend CEO Pareekh Jain puts the total at 25,000‑30,000 jobs, while his counterpart at 3AI, Sameer Dhanrajani, estimates 4,000‑5,000 cuts. The Telugu‑language source [జీసీసీల్లోనూ ఉద్యోగ కోతలు | job‑cuts‑in‑gccs‑too](https://eenadu.net/telugu-news/business/job-cuts-in-gccs-too/0199/126174507) also notes “వేల సంఖ్యలో ఉద్యోగ కోతలు” (thousands of job cuts) across Indian GCCs this year. These reductions are largely attributed to cost‑optimisation drives and the migration of certain functions back to parent companies.

HIRING GROWS AT 12‑15% Y/Y IN H1‑2026

Contrasting the layoffs, a recent ANSR report finds that GCC hiring in India rose roughly 12‑15 percent year‑over‑year in the first half of 2026 [ANSR report](https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/ai/articles/ansr-report-finds-ai-skills-154400640.html). The surge is anchored in demand for AI, data analytics, cloud, and cybersecurity expertise. Companies are shifting from entry‑level recruitment to targeting experienced, specialised talent—a trend highlighted by Economic Times’ HR portal [ETHRWorld](https://hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/workplace-4-0/talent-management/indias-gcc-hiring-shifts-towards-experienced-specialised-talent/134443828).

INVESTMENT SIGNALS LONG‑TERM CONFIDENCE

New greenfield projects underscore confidence in the GCC model. Billtrust announced a ₹450 crore investment to build a Hyderabad GCC that will employ 1,000 staff within three years [The Hindu BusinessLine](https://thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/billtrust-to-invest-450-cr-in-hyderabad-gcc/article71519952.ece). The capital infusion reflects both the availability of local tech talent and supportive state policies, reinforcing the view that GCCs remain a strategic growth engine for multinational firms.

SKILLS THAT ARE REWRITING RECRUITMENT

The convergence of hiring growth and layoffs is reshaping the skill matrix employers seek. AI and machine‑learning, data analytics, cloud platforms, and cybersecurity dominate the demand list, as outlined by Sakshi Education [సాక్షి ఎడ్యుకేషన్](https://education.sakshi.com/careers/engineering/global-capability-centres-gccs-career-opportunities-tech-skills-jobs-india-199594). Meanwhile, the TeamLease guide on GCCs notes a broader evolution: GCCs have moved from a cost‑focused talent model to a “strategic engine for technology, product engineering, artificial intelligence” [TeamLease](https://group.teamlease.com/global-capability-centers-in-india). The heightened AI skills demand is prompting employers to look for proven project delivery rather than generic credentials.

Geographically, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune continue to attract the bulk of new roles, but emerging hubs in Chennai and Gurgaon are also gaining traction as firms diversify locations to tap regional talent pools.

HOW EMPLOYEES CAN PREPARE

Upskill in AI‑related domains—online courses in machine learning, data science, or cloud architecture can make you a priority candidate for GCC openings.
Highlight project experience that demonstrates end‑to‑end delivery of analytics or security solutions; GCC recruiters now favour proven expertise over generic entry‑level credentials.
Keep an eye on company announcements for new GCC investments, such as Billtrust’s Hyderabad centre, and target those firms early in their hiring cycles.
Network on professional platforms and attend GCC‑focused hiring events; internal referrals remain a strong hiring channel in this sector.

Frequently asked questions

Why are GCCs laying off staff while still hiring?

Layoffs stem from cost‑optimisation and the shifting of certain functions back to parent organisations, whereas hiring is driven by new technology projects that require AI, data, cloud, and security specialists.

How can fresh graduates break into AI roles at GCCs?

Graduates should build a portfolio of AI‑related projects, obtain certifications in machine learning or cloud services, and actively engage in campus placement drives or virtual hiring fairs hosted by GCCs.

What level of experience are GCCs now prioritising?

The sector is moving away from mass entry‑level recruitment toward experienced, specialised talent, especially in AI, analytics, cloud, and cybersecurity roles.

How significant is the investment by Billtrust for the GCC landscape?

Billtrust’s ₹450 crore commitment to a Hyderabad centre, targeting 1,000 employees in three years, signals strong confidence in India’s GCC ecosystem and adds a sizeable new talent pool for tech professionals.