Core VLSI (Very Large-Scale Integration) skills are driving nearly half of all job openings in India’s semiconductor design Global Capability Centres (GCCs), according to a new report released by Careernet. The data highlights a significant shift in hiring strategies, as companies move away from mass recruitment and focus on specialized, high-value talent to fuel innovation and product development.

The report, India’s Semiconductor Design GCC Talent Ecosystem, revealed that open positions across the top 50 semiconductor design GCCs in India dropped by 22%, from an average of 3,684 in Q1 FY25 to 2,874 in Q1 FY26. Despite this decline, more than 2,800 new roles were created in the first quarter of FY26, reflecting sustained demand for niche expertise in the sector.

Core VLSI skills accounted for 48% of openings, followed by system and application software roles at 35%, and business operations or IT support at 17%. Within these segments, digital design, verification, and system software have emerged as the top focus areas, with steady demand also seen in physical design, analogue, embedded systems, and firmware.

The semiconductor design GCC ecosystem in India is expanding rapidly. The number of GCCs rose to 79 in 2025, up from 70 last year, marking nearly 13% growth in just one year. While larger organizations are scaling back hiring, smaller firms continue to create jobs in bursts, further underscoring the industry’s dynamism.

Commenting on the findings, Neelabh Shukla, Chief Business Officer at Careernet, said, “The semiconductor industry is at the heart of global growth, yet the supply chain remains fragile due to its concentration in limited geographies. India is stepping up to fill this gap, not just as a manufacturing hub but as a centre for innovation and design.”

With the global semiconductor industry seeking resilience and diversification, India’s focus on VLSI and design-led talent positions the country as a key player in shaping the next era of technology innovation.