Generative AI, Platform Engineering, and Cybersecurity emerge as top priorities across sectors
India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are rapidly evolving into powerhouses of next-generation technology adoption, driving an unprecedented demand for deep tech skills, according to the latest GCC Tech Talent Landscape 2024 Report by Quess IT Staffing. With more than 1,800 GCCs now operating in India and over 120 new centres launched in 2024 alone, the country continues to cement its position as a global tech talent hub
Generative AI Leads the Charge
The report reveals that Generative AI (GenAI) is witnessing a sharp surge in demand, registering an annual growth rate of 32%, particularly across the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services and Insurance) and retail sectors. As companies pivot toward capability-driven talent models, GenAI is redefining hiring strategies and emerging as a critical area of focus
Other high-growth skill segments include:
- Platform Engineering & Site Reliability Engineering (SRE): 26% growth
- UI/UX Design: 25% growth
- Cloud and Infrastructure Engineering: 14% growth
The demand-supply gap for these emerging roles is widening, driving up compensation premiums for niche skill sets
Shifting Hiring Priorities
According to Kapil Joshi, CEO of Quess IT Staffing, “As organisations shift to capability-driven talent models, there is emphasis on a growing demand-supply gap in emerging tech roles, alongside rising compensation premiums for niche skills. Roles in GenAI, FinOps, and Zero Trust are redefining hiring priorities, while Tier II cities emerge as critical growth engines.”
Notably, areas such as FinOps (Financial Operations) and Zero Trust Security are reshaping recruitment strategies across industries, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity and cost-efficient cloud infrastructure management.
India’s Rising Momentum as a Talent Hub
The report underscores the accelerating pace of India’s digital transformation, fueled by AI adoption, advanced cloud technologies, and platform-centric operations. With 1.8 lakh new jobs added in 2024, the sector has seen a 17% year-on-year workforce growth, showcasing the country’s role as a key enabler in global tech innovation
City-wise Skill Specialization
- Bengaluru continues to lead strategic hiring, contributing:
- 61% of GCC hiring in Defence & Aerospace
- 35% in BFSI
- Hyderabad has emerged as a key destination for:
- Healthcare & Pharma GCCs (41%)
- Emerging AI talent
- Pune demonstrates strength in Manufacturing, accounting for 24% of GCC workforce in the domain
- NCR (Delhi-National Capital Region) dominates in compliance, telecom, and real estate sectors
Tier II Cities: The New Growth Frontier
GCCs are expanding into Tier II cities like Kochi, Coimbatore, Indore, and Jaipur, tapping into talent for operations-led and mid-tier engineering roles. These locations are emerging as key hubs for domains such as GRC, Cloud Support, and MedTech, easing pressure on traditional tech centers
Conclusion
India’s GCC landscape is entering a new phase of maturity, driven by technological innovation and strategic workforce planning. The emphasis on next-gen skills such as GenAI, platform engineering, and cybersecurity highlights the country’s critical role in the global digital ecosystem. As demand continues to rise, both metro and Tier II cities are set to become integral in meeting the evolving needs of global enterprises
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