Category: Analysis

  • India’s Top IT Firms Face Rising Attrition as GCCs Gain Traction

    India’s Top IT Firms Face Rising Attrition as GCCs Gain Traction

    GCC Hub Team

    India’s top four IT companies – Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Technologies – are facing a moderate increase in employee attrition in FY25, attributed to the rising competition from Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in the country. 

    According to a report by The Hindu Business Line, attrition rates have increased across these companies, with Infosys witnessing a rise to 14.1% and Wipro’s attrition rate reaching 15% in FY25.

    Global Capability Centres are offshore centres set up by multinational companies to leverage India’s talent pool and cost advantages. These centres have been increasingly popular in India, with nearly 1,900 GCCs currently operating in the country, including around 150 new setups in the last 30 months. GCCs are known to offer higher salaries, with 15-20% more than what IT companies typically offer, making them attractive to professionals, especially those with less than five years of experience.

    Attrition Impact on IT Companies

    To mitigate the impact of rising attrition, IT companies are expected to hire more freshers this year. Infosys’ CFO, Jayesh Sanghrajka, noted that attrition is influenced by multiple factors, including opportunities outside the company, competition, and employees pursuing further studies. The increased competition from GCCs is putting pressure on IT companies to retain talent.

    Industry Outlook

    The Indian IT industry is navigating a challenging landscape, with muted revenue growth expected in FY25. According to a report by CRISIL Ratings, the top four IT companies will see 5-7% year-on-year revenue growth in FY25, marking the second successive year of muted growth. Despite these challenges, the industry is expected to inch up to 6% growth in FY25, driven by increased operating efficiencies .

    Key Attrition Rates for Top IT Companies

    • Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): 13.3% in FY25, up from 12.5% in FY24
    • Infosys: 14.1% in FY25, up from 12.6% in FY24
    • Wipro: 15% in FY25, up from 14.2% in FY24
    • HCL Technologies: 13% in FY25, up from 12.4% in FY24 
  • India Emerges as Prime Location for Aviation Global Capability Centres

    India Emerges as Prime Location for Aviation Global Capability Centres

    GCC Hub Team

    A new whitepaper by Nasscom has highlighted India’s potential as a strategic location for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in the aviation industry, driven by its skilled talent pool, cost advantages, advanced digital infrastructure, and progressive government policies. 

    The whitepaper has presented a comprehensive roadmap for establishing GCCs in India, tailored to the aviation sector, and outlines the benefits of leveraging India’s rapidly maturing aerospace ecosystem.

    The aviation industry is on the cusp of substantial expansion, with the global market expected to reach $771.26 billion by 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.36% from 2025 to 2029. However, the industry faces numerous operational challenges, including rising fuel prices, complex maintenance regimens, stringent regulatory compliance, and supply chain vulnerabilities.

    Establishing GCCs in India can help aviation companies address these challenges by streamlining operations, reducing overhead costs, and accessing specialized talent and advanced technologies. The GCC model centralizes critical functions such as IT, engineering, R&D, and customer support in cost-efficient offshore locations, benefiting both mid-size and large aviation companies.

    The Indian government has taken initiatives to promote the aviation sector, including improving policies to increase connectivity and tourism, rationalizing ATF taxes, and developing infrastructure. 

    The Ministry of Civil Aviation’s total budget for 2025-26 is Rs 2,400.31 crore, including Rs 70.00 crore for capital expenditure on development. Schemes like UDAN aim to create opportunities for aviation companies to tap into new markets, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

    India’s labour cost differential, significantly lower than Western counterparts, can facilitate potential operational savings of up to 30-40%. Additionally, India’s logistical scalability, coupled with strong governmental support, positions it as an optimal nexus for technological innovation and operational augmentation within the aviation sector.

    The whitepaper has suggested that key strategies for sustainable growth in the aviation industry include enhancing MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) capabilities, forming public-private collaborations, and prioritizing talent development. The establishment of GCCs in India can help aviation companies capitalize on these opportunities and drive sustainable innovation, operational resilience, and competitive advantage.

    By leveraging India’s advanced digital infrastructure, progressive government policies, and abundant reservoir of skilled labour, aviation companies can optimize operational performance and achieve long-term profitability. The confluence of technological evolution, strategic alliances, and judicious investment in talent development will underpin the industry’s trajectory, engendering a paradigm shift towards heightened efficiency, sustainability, and global competitiveness.

  • India’s GCCs poised for strategic realignments

    India’s GCCs poised for strategic realignments

    GCC Hub Team

    India’s Global Capability Center (GCC) hiring landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by seasonal patterns, sector-specific dynamics, evolving attrition rates, and macroeconomic factors. 

    According to a post by industry body Nasscom, sourcing data from talent solutions company Han Digital, GCC hiring in India is slowing down in FY25, with a noticeable dip of 10-15% in hiring demand in the final quarter of the fiscal year.

    Sectoral Trends:

    BFSI GCCs: Deceleration in hiring, particularly for support and operational roles, with a strategic focus on automation and AI-driven tasks. Demand for niche skillsets in areas like Generative AI, MLOps, cybersecurity, and financial modeling is on the rise, while job postings declined 10-15% in Q1 2025.

    Software Product GCCs: Stabilized hiring with emphasis on roles within AI/ML, cloud engineering, DevSecOps, and product-led growth, despite funding challenges for startups.

    Digital Engineering GCCs: Remarkable resilience, driven by high-end R&D in domains like embedded software, edge computing, IoT, and digital twin technologies, with robust demand for high-value roles.

    Retail, Healthcare, and Manufacturing GCCs: General slowdown in hiring due to macroeconomic caution, but stable hiring persists in specialized areas like health tech compliance and supply chain automation.

    Attrition and Hiring:

    Attrition rates hover between 12-15% annually, necessitating consistent backfilling efforts. Larger GCCs exhibit higher monthly job postings during the first three quarters, followed by a reduction in hiring activity in the final quarter.

    Outlook for FY2026:

    As per Nasscom, citing Han Digital, “The GCC hiring landscape is poised for strategic realignments, with a cautious hiring sentiment expected for support and operations roles.” However, GCCs will likely resume targeted hiring in critical areas like Generative AI, platform engineering, and data security. A modest uptick of up to 10% in job postings is expected compared to the final quarter of FY2025.

    Key Predictions:

    BFSI GCCs: Focus on specialized roles over volume hiring.

    Software Product GCCs: Cautious yet strategic approach to investments in innovation-driven talent.

    Digital Engineering GCCs: Resilience with hiring aligned to next-generation engineering priorities.

    Retail and Healthcare GCCs: Proceeding with caution while integrating technology strategically.

  • India’s Mid-Market GCCs Emerge as Key Players in Global Innovation: Nasscom-Zinnov Report

    India’s Mid-Market GCCs Emerge as Key Players in Global Innovation: Nasscom-Zinnov Report

    GCC Hub Team

    India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are undergoing a significant transformation, with mid-market segment driving growth and innovation, according to a latest report by Nasscom and Zinnov. The report, `India’s GCC Leap – Powering Global Mid-Market Momentum,’ highlights the growing influence of mid-market GCCs in deep technology domains such as Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data science.

    Mid-Market GCCs: A New Era of Innovation

    Mid-market GCCs are rapidly evolving beyond traditional execution-focused roles, becoming significant contributors to their parent organizations’ market strategies and influential players in their respective industries. These centers are characterized by higher maturity as transformation hubs, deeper product capabilities, and a high concentration of niche deep tech skills.

    The report notes that India’s current mid-market GCC landscape comprises over 480 centers and 680 units, employing more than 210,000 individuals and constituting 27% of total Indian GCCs and 22% of their units. Over 45 new mid-market GCCs have set up operations in India in the past two years alone, accounting for nearly 35% of total GCCs and 30% of total GCC units during this period.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    While mid-market GCCs face challenges in attracting early-career talent, lack standardized operating procedures, and struggle to establish innovation partnerships, the future outlook is promising. With the potential to attract 30-40K of the 130k-150k global mid-market companies, mid-market GCCs in India can transform into AI-native innovation engines and achieve a sustainable global edge through strategic development and favorable ecosystem support.

    Growth Drivers

    The growth of mid-market GCCs in India is driven by a combination of factors that are creating a perfect storm of opportunity, including the increasing demand for specialized skills in deep technology domains such as AI, ML, and cybersecurity, which India is well-positioned to provide, and the growing need for innovation and digital transformation across industries, which mid-market GCCs are well-suited to deliver.

    This growth is further fueled by the availability of a large talent pool in India, which is a key differentiator for the country, and a favorable business environment and government support, which is providing the necessary infrastructure and incentives for GCCs to thrive, and all these factors combined are creating a conducive environment for mid-market GCCs to flourish in India and make significant contributions to the country’s economy.

    The rise of mid-market GCCs in India is a pivotal development shaping the future of global capability building in the country. With their growing influence in driving innovation and contributing to their parent organizations’ market strategies, mid-market GCCs are set to play a key role in India’s GCC landscape. 

  • Cognizant Flags GCCs as Potential Threat in Annual Report

    Cognizant Flags GCCs as Potential Threat in Annual Report

    GCC Hub Team

    Information technology (IT) services major Cognizant Technology Solution Corp. has flagged risks from the growing business spread of global capability centres (GCCs), offshore captive hubs of multinationals offering a range of solutions for their parents, including value-added services such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) as also sophisticated engineering, legal and insurance services.

    Cognizant, in its annual report, has signposted key areas obliquely alluding to potential business loss from clients who could prefer assigning work to their homespun offshore GCCs driven by cost and efficiency arbitrage, besides clamouring to draw talent from the same pool.

    “The markets for our services are highly competitive, characterized by a large number of participants and subject to rapid change. Competitors may include systems integration firms, contract programming companies, application software companies, cloud computing service providers, traditional consulting firms, professional services groups of computer equipment companies, infrastructure management companies, outsourcing companies, boutique digital companies and clients’ in-house technology resources, such as GCCs,” the IT major said in its annual report.

    “In addition to large, global competitors, we face competition in many geographic markets from numerous smaller, local competitors that may have more experience with operations in these markets, have well-established relationships with our desired clients, or be able to provide services and solutions at lower costs or on terms more attractive to clients than we can. Additionally, we face competition from clients’ in-house technology resources, such as GCCs, which may provide a lower cost alternative to our services,” it said.

    Besides, there is also the aspect of attracting talent that has become competitive among IT services companies and GCCs.

    “Competition for skilled labor is intense and, in some jurisdictions in which we operate and in key AI and digital areas, there are more open positions than qualified persons to fill these positions. We compete for employees not only with other companies in our industry but also with companies in other industries, such as software services, engineering services and financial services companies, as well as our clients’ GCCs”, the Cognizant report said.

  • India’s Global Capability Centers Emerge as Powerhouses in Global Gaming Industry

    India’s Global Capability Centers Emerge as Powerhouses in Global Gaming Industry

    GCC Hub Team

    The global gaming industry, valued at $242 billion in 2025, appears to be undergoing a significant transformational shift. Amidst rising operational costs in traditional hubs like the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, global gaming giants are recalibrating their strategies, with India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs) emerging as strategic powerhouses, industry body NASSCOM has said in a blog post.

    Companies like Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Tencent are leveraging India’s GCC ecosystem to achieve 30-50% cost savings, accelerate R&D cycles, and scale live operations globally. India’s cost-efficient talent pool, with salaries significantly lower than in Western markets, is driving this trend. A senior game developer in India earns approximately $40,000 per year, compared to $90,000+ in South Korea and $120,000+ in the U.S.

    India’s gaming talent matrix boasts expertise in AI/ML, game engines, and emerging tech like cloud gaming and blockchain. GCCs are structuring operations in phases, starting with AI and core game development, followed by live operations and localization, and finally, blockchain and full-cycle development. Ubisoft’s Pune center, with over 1,000 employees, is a full-fledged AAA production hub contributing to flagship franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry.

    Global gaming leaders are betting big on India’s GCC ecosystem, with Krafton planning to establish an R&D center in Bengaluru or Pune focused on AI-driven esports analytics. Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are also leveraging India’s expertise in cloud infrastructure and AI-driven gaming solutions. Microsoft’s GCC in Hyderabad supports Xbox cloud gaming and Azure AI integration, while Google’s Bangalore GCC develops Android gaming SDKs and developer tools.

    India’s homegrown gaming startups, such as JetSynthesys and Nazara Tech, are also making waves, with partnerships with global IPs and esports ventures. JetSynthesys has carved a niche in digital entertainment through partnerships with global IPs and esports ventures, including a collaboration with Sachin Tendulkar for mobile gaming. Nazara Tech commands a robust portfolio spanning esports, gamified learning, and hyper-casual games, the NASSCOM blog post said.

    The country’s gaming market is projected to grow to $1.5 billion by 2028, with 30 million gamers. As global gaming leaders face a choice between legacy hubs and India’s GCC ecosystem, early movers like EA and Ubisoft have already staked their claims. India is poised to become a critical node in the gaming value chain, driving innovation and growth in the industry.

  • HCLTech Doubles Down on GCC Focus in India, Sees Potential Demand Surge

    HCLTech Doubles Down on GCC Focus in India, Sees Potential Demand Surge

    GCC Hub Team

    HCLTech, a leading software major, plans to ramp up its focus on Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India, after partnering with over 200 such captives across the country. The company declared India-specific revenue numbers for the first time, highlighting the country’s growing significance as a major focus area.

    “We’re already present in more than 200 GCCs across the Indian landscape and we’re going to double down our focus on GCCs,” said C Vijayakumar, CEO & Managing Director, HCLTech, while addressing a press conference after declaring the Q4 results.

    GCCs have gained significant traction in recent years, with India emerging as the GCC capital of the world. According to the Economic Survey 2024, expansion and investments by multinational companies are set to contribute roughly 3.5 percent of India’s GDP by 2030, generating an estimated revenue of $121 billion by then.

    HCLTech has been working with GCCs since 2012 and offers multiple engagement models, including Workforce Deployment, Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT/BOT) model, Strategic Joint Ventures (JVs), and IP Partnerships. The company sees a potential demand surge in this segment, driven by the growing presence of APAC-based companies in India.

    A spokesperson from HCLTech told Moneycontrol.com that the company expects a significant increase in demand for GCC services, driven by the US and EMEA-based companies, which currently hold the lion’s share of the 1,600-odd GCCs in India. “We see a potential demand surge in this segment. While the US and EMEA hold the lion’s share of the 1,600-odd GCCs in India, several APAC-based companies are also looking at India,” the spokesperson added.

    HCLTech’s decision to double down on its GCC focus in India reflects the company’s confidence in the country’s potential as a hub for innovation and technology. With new announcements expected in the coming weeks, the company is poised to further strengthen its position in the GCC space.

  • 5% of Lifetime Spent Commuting: The Hidden Cost of India’s GCC Boom

    5% of Lifetime Spent Commuting: The Hidden Cost of India’s GCC Boom

    GCC Hub Team

    A new report by MoveInSync, an employee commute platform, has revealed that the global capability center (GCC) workforce in India’s top cities spends a significant 5% of their lifetime commuting to office, highlighting the importance of efficient commute solutions for talent attraction and retention.

    According to the report, which analyzed commute data from Q1 2025, GCC employees in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and the National Capital Region (NCR) spend an average of 50 minutes, 45 minutes, and 55 minutes commuting one way, respectively. The report also found that employees work from the office an average of 2-3 days a week, with Wednesdays being the most popular in-office day.

    India has emerged as a leading destination for global enterprises establishing GCCs, with a 32% increase in the number of centers over the past five years. Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and NCR are at the forefront of this expansion, accounting for 30%, 14%, and 16% of the total GCC market, respectively.

    Commute Trends

    The report highlights some key trends in commute patterns:

    Industry-specific commute patterns: Pharma and BFSI sectors prefer more in-office time, while retail and entertainment sectors lean towards remote work.

    Midweek peak: Wednesdays see the highest cab bookings across companies, while Fridays are surprisingly light.

    Commute strategy: Commute data is becoming a key lever for talent retention, with companies using it to design better schedules, wellness policies, and real estate plans.

    Sustainability Initiatives

    GCCs are increasingly adopting electric vehicles (EVs) and ride-sharing to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly commutes. Transport costs are being optimized with increased user adoption, enabling better route optimization and reduced per-person travel expenses.

    The report’s findings highlight the importance of commute solutions in the GCC sector, particularly in India’s top cities. As the sector continues to grow, companies will need to prioritize efficient and sustainable commute solutions to attract and retain top talent.

    “That’s 4 years over a 40-year career. No wonder commute strategy is becoming a key lever for talent retention. Commute data isn’t just operational. It’s strategic. Use it to design better schedules, wellness policies, and real estate plans,” MoveInSync said in a LinkedIn post highlighting the report’s findings..

  • India’s GCC Boom Fuels AI Talent War, Salaries Skyrocket

    India’s GCC Boom Fuels AI Talent War, Salaries Skyrocket

    GCC Hub Team

    Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India are on a talent hunt, driving up demand for artificial intelligence (AI) experts and pushing salaries to unprecedented levels. Experienced professionals in Bengaluru can now command up to Rs 48 lakh per annum (LPA) with just eight years of experience. 

    Roles in Generative AI, AI observability, and AI compliance are leading the compensation boom, outpacing traditional IT jobs by 20-50 percent, Technology staffing firm Quess IT Staffing India GCC Talent Landscape 2024 report has said.

    GCCs Chase Talent in Tier-II Cities

    As the demand for AI talent continues to outstrip supply, GCCs are expanding into Tier-II cities like Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Coimbatore, where operational costs are lower and specialized skill pools are emerging. However, these cities still lack depth in high-skill domains, forcing companies to rely on upskilling initiatives and relocation incentives.

    According to the report Kochi is experiencing strong demand in professional services, healthcare operations and cybersecurity.

    Within the GCC sector, certain tier-2 cities are turning into specialised talent hubs. Coimbatore is building strength in automotive, industrial technology and cloud operations. It is being considered for an engineering centre of excellence and IoT-led factory.

    Jaipur is also showing momentum in BFSI tech, credit risk and e-commerce-led development.

    Compensation is also shifting rapidly due to talent scarcity, and hiring in emerging GCC locations – Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad and Coimbatore-  is creating regional salary variations.

    BFSI and Retail Drive Hiring Spree

    The banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector accounts for 18% of GCC hiring, with AI-led credit risk modeling and fraud detection roles witnessing 32% year-on-year growth. Retail and e-commerce firms are also investing heavily in AI-powered personalization and recommendation engines.

    Talent Gap Remains a Challenge

    Despite the growth in demand, 30-45% of critical positions in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud cost optimization remain unfilled due to a severe supply-demand mismatch. To plug this talent gap, GCCs are prioritizing upskilling programs and academia-industry collaborations.

    India’s GCC Market Poised for Growth

    With India’s GCC market expected to grow to $105 billion by 2030, the demand for AI talent is likely to continue. Roles like AI Observability Engineers and Blockchain Developers are expected to remain in high demand, but the current talent pipeline remains insufficient.

    Key Cities for GCC Hiring

    – Bengaluru: Rs 35.3-47.9 LPA for AI engineers with 8 years of experience

    – Hyderabad: Rs 33-45 LPA

    – Pune: Rs 31-41 LPA

    The report highlights the need for strategic hiring and upskilling initiatives to bridge the talent gap and meet the growing demand for AI talent in India’s GCC market.

  • Ladera Technology Expands Bengaluru Presence to Support Global Capability Centres

    Ladera Technology Expands Bengaluru Presence to Support Global Capability Centres

    GCC Hub Team

    Ladera Technology, a global leader in enterprise technology solutions, has inaugurated its new office in Electronic City Phase 1, Bengaluru, underscoring its commitment to supporting Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India. The strategic expansion aims to broaden the company’s expertise in digital transformation technologies, including SAP, Data & AI, Cloud Solutions, and cybersecurity.

    With a well-established global presence spanning the UK, US, and India, Ladera Technology has cemented its reputation in enterprise technology, particularly in SAP Hybris, SAP BTP, SAP RISE, SAP GenAI, and S/4HANA. The Bengaluru expansion, in March 2025, marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory, reinforcing its mission to drive innovation and efficiency for its global clientele.

    Bengaluru, a thriving technology hub, has been chosen as the location for this expansion, highlighting the city’s status as a prime destination for technology-driven enterprises and a key player in India’s digital transformation journey. The new facility will serve as a center of excellence, fostering collaboration, research, and development to accelerate business transformation for its clients.

    Currently employing over 450 professionals, Ladera Technology has ambitious plans to scale its workforce to 1,000 in the coming years, emphasizing skill development in SAP, data analytics, AI-driven solutions, and cybersecurity. The company aims to leverage its expertise in SAP and emerging technologies to help businesses enhance their agility, security, and efficiency in an increasingly digital landscape.

    With 15 established collaborations with GCCs, Ladera Technology is now setting its sights on expanding these partnerships to 100 in the coming years. This growth initiative aims to position the company as a trusted technology partner for global enterprises, enabling seamless digital transformation and operational excellence.

    In addition to expanding partnerships, the company plans to launch specialized training programs to upskill local talent in advanced enterprise technology solutions. These initiatives will further solidify Bengaluru’s reputation as a global technology powerhouse.