India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are significantly increasing investments in artificial intelligence (AI) talent, particularly in generative AI roles. According to a report by Quess, demand for generative AI skills in India’s GCCs rose by 32% in 2024, with positions like Generative AI Engineers and AI Model Ops Specialists commanding salary premiums of 25–40% over traditional software engineering roles
Key Factors Driving the AI Talent Boom
The surge in demand for AI professionals is primarily driven by early adoption in sectors such as Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI), retail, and technology platforms. These industries are leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and drive innovation.
Roles in AI and data science are now among the highest-paid in the tech sector, reflecting the critical importance of these skills in modern business strategies. The competitive landscape has prompted GCCs to offer substantial salary increases to attract and retain top AI talent.
Roles in AI and data science are now among the highest-paid in the tech sector, reflecting the critical importance of these skills in modern business strategies. The competitive landscape has prompted GCCs to offer substantial salary increases to attract and retain top AI talent.
Broader Industry Trends
The emphasis on AI talent is part of a larger trend of GCCs evolving from traditional back-office operations to innovation hubs. This transformation is evident in the increasing number of GCCs in India, which have grown to over 1,620 as of early 2024.
Companies like Cargill are expanding their Indian GCCs, focusing on roles in data engineering, analytics, and AI, further underscoring the strategic importance of AI capabilities in global operations
Implications for Job Seekers and Employers
For professionals, acquiring skills in generative AI and related fields presents significant opportunities for career advancement and higher compensation. Employers, on the other hand, must navigate a competitive talent market, necessitating strategic investments in training, development, and retention programs to build robust AI capabilities.
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