India is witnessing an exciting tech revolution, and it’s happening faster than ever. According to a recent report from NLB Services, India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are on track to create a staggering 4.25 to 4.5 lakh new jobs in 2024. This is a major boost for India’s growing position as a global tech talent powerhouse. But that’s just the beginning! By 2030, the GCC sector is set to employ millions more, pushing the industry’s value toward an impressive $100 billion.
Let’s dive deeper into how this is shaping India’s future and what it means for job seekers, businesses, and the country’s economic landscape.
What Are Global Capability Centers (GCCs)?
Before we go into the growth projections, it’s important to understand what Global Capability Centers are. In simple terms, these centers are business units set up by large international companies in India. These units handle various operations, from IT services to customer support, digital transformation, and more. Over the years, India has become the go-to destination for setting up these centers, thanks to its skilled workforce and cost advantages.
Job Growth: The Big Surge in 2024
The real game-changer here is the projected job growth in 2024. As per the NLB Services report, India’s GCCs are expected to create between 4.25 lakh to 4.5 lakh new jobs this year. That’s a major milestone for the industry, especially considering how rapidly the demand for tech talent is growing.
The anticipated hiring boom will be driven by several factors:
- High Demand for Skills: There’s a huge demand for specialized skills in AI, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital transformation. This reflects the growing need for companies to stay competitive in a fast-changing global marketplace.
- Sectoral Growth: From banking and aviation to retail and oil & gas, GCCs are expanding their operations across multiple industries, creating more opportunities in various fields.
- Government Support: The Indian government has also rolled out policies aimed at boosting this growth, particularly through the national framework in the FY26 Budget. This framework encourages expansion into Tier II and Tier III cities, bringing economic development to less-developed regions while also providing a fresh pipeline of talent.
GCC Workforce Projections for 2030
The growth in 2024 is just the beginning. Looking ahead to 2030, India’s GCC sector could employ a total of 3.3 million workers, closing in on the scale of the traditional IT services sector. This means more centers, more job opportunities, and a significant economic impact on the country.
By 2030, India could have over 2,100 GCCs, collectively adding another million jobs. This is a remarkable growth trajectory that shows just how quickly this sector is scaling.
Key Drivers of Industry Expansion
What’s fueling this rapid expansion? Here are the main drivers:
- Sector Diversity: GCCs are no longer limited to IT and tech services. The sector spans various industries, including banking, aviation, retail, and oil and gas. This expansion across sectors opens up even more job roles and career opportunities.
- Rising Skill Demands: As technology evolves, so do the skills needed. There’s increasing demand for expertise in emerging fields like cybersecurity, AI, machine learning, and data science. These sectors require employees who are well-versed in advanced technologies and ready to tackle complex challenges.
- Government Policies: The Indian government is playing a key role in facilitating growth in the GCC sector. The introduction of policies aimed at encouraging businesses to expand beyond traditional tech hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad is expected to spread economic opportunities to other parts of the country.
Which Cities Are Leading the Way?
India’s cities are gearing up for this tech revolution. While Bengaluru remains the undisputed leader in terms of GCC operations, other cities are quickly catching up. Here’s a look at the geographical distribution:
- Bengaluru: The city leads the way, with a forecasted hiring growth rate of 27%. This is largely driven by the huge demand for AI, cloud computing, and data science talent. It’s the tech capital of India, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
- Hyderabad: By 2025, Hyderabad is expected to be the second-largest GCC hub. The city has a strong IT software and consulting ecosystem, which has set the stage for significant growth.
- Delhi and Pune: Looking ahead, Delhi and Pune are expected to become key players in the GCC sector by 2030. Both cities are accelerating their growth in telecom, internet services, and financial technology.
- Mumbai: With a 23% growth rate, Mumbai remains a critical hub for IT software, consulting, and the BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance) sector.
In-Demand Skills and Roles
As the GCC sector expands, the demand for specific skills is growing. Here are the top areas where hiring is expected to spike:
- Customer Experience & Support Services (17%): Companies are increasingly focused on improving their customer service, leading to more opportunities in customer experience and support roles.
- Cybersecurity & Data Protection (17%): With rising cyber threats, businesses are prioritizing cybersecurity, leading to a surge in demand for cybersecurity professionals.
- Digital Transformation & Automation (14%): The shift towards automation and digital processes is creating jobs in this critical field.
- Financial Services and Marketing: As businesses adopt a digital-first approach, there’s growing demand in financial services and digital marketing.
- Manufacturing and Engineering: With the rise of Industry 4.0, manufacturing and engineering sectors are also seeing a spike in hiring.
Focus on Diversity and Inclusion
An interesting trend in the GCC sector is the focus on gender diversity. More than 61% of GCCs plan to increase the proportion of women hires by over 50% by 2030. This is a significant shift from just 7% of GCCs planning similar changes this year, highlighting a growing commitment to gender equality in the workplace.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Job Seekers in India
The future of India’s GCC sector is looking incredibly bright. With 4.25–4.5 lakh new jobs expected this year, the sector is set for explosive growth, creating opportunities across various industries and cities. The expansion of the sector, driven by rising skill demands, government policies, and technological advancements, will continue to fuel India’s position as a global technology talent hub.
For job seekers, this is the perfect time to prepare for careers in tech, customer service, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and many other growing fields. The next decade promises exciting opportunities for those looking to be part of India’s booming GCC ecosystem.
