GCCs Outpace IT in Hiring Boom: 4 Lakh Jobs for Freshers by 2030
Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India are set to create 4 lakh jobs by 2030, outpacing traditional IT hiring. Find out how digital literacy, upskilling, and DEI initiatives are driving this shift.
Introduction
The future of hiring in India is undergoing a major shift — and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are leading the charge. According to The Economic Times, citing data from FirstMeridian, GCCs are projected to create nearly four lakh jobs for freshers by 2030. This marks a pivotal moment where GCCs are not just matching traditional IT services companies — they are outpacing them at an incredible rate.
What’s Driving the GCC Hiring Boom?
Several key factors are fueling the rapid growth of GCCs in India:
- Diverse Talent Pool:
India’s rich and varied talent landscape provides the perfect foundation for GCC expansion. - Rise in Digital Literacy:
More young professionals are gaining digital skills, making them job-ready for AI, machine learning (ML), and data engineering roles. - Cost Efficiency:
Operating in India allows global companies to optimize costs while maintaining quality, making the country a preferred destination for setting up GCCs. - Presence of Emerging Industries:
Sectors like IT, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and data engineering are booming — and GCCs are at the heart of it.
Sunil Nehra, CEO of FirstMeridian Business Services, highlights that GCCs have evolved into “strategic assets” for global firms, thanks to targeted upskilling programs, favorable government policies, and development initiatives stretching from major metro cities to emerging Tier 2 hubs.
Women in GCCs: A Positive Outlook
The report reveals that women already account for 40% of the GCC workforce, and the number is expected to grow further.
Companies are actively focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), aiming for a 3–5% improvement in gender diversity over the next few years.
Key DEI Initiatives Include:
- Leadership development programs for women
- Mentorship and sponsorship opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements to support career growth
This push towards inclusivity reflects a broader commitment to building more balanced and dynamic workplaces.
IT Services Firms Struggle to Keep Up
While GCCs are racing ahead, traditional IT services companies are lagging behind. According to a study by Quess, GCCs hired 10 times more talent in FY25 compared to IT services firms.
To adapt, nearly 40% of IT companies are now shifting to remote and hybrid work models, tapping into skilled professionals not only from Tier 2 cities but also from international markets.
This strategic pivot underscores the urgent need for IT companies to rethink their talent acquisition strategies.
Final Thoughts
The growth trajectory of GCCs in India points to a transformational shift in the country’s employment landscape. With a focus on digital skills, strategic upskilling, and diversity, GCCs are creating massive opportunities for freshers and reshaping how global companies build their teams.
As India steps into a new era of employment driven by innovation and inclusion, fresh graduates and skilled professionals alike have more reason than ever to be optimistic.
