Cross-GCC hiring now 60% as centres battle 20% attrition, says report

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India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are entering one of their most competitive phases yet, with talent churn hitting unprecedented levels as companies increasingly hire from one another to fill emerging digital and AI-focused roles.

Attrition across India’s 1,700-plus GCCs has risen to the 15-20 percent range, while 60 percent of all new hiring now comes from other GCCs, according to a new whitepaper by marketing and communications agency SPAG FINN Partners.

The findings highlight a structural talent imbalance: as GCCs take on more complex mandates in AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and product engineering, the demand for specialised skills is far outpacing supply.

Roles in artificial intelligence and machine learning now command 30-50 percent salary premiums, intensifying the fight for niche expertise. In fact, Bengaluru AI engineers earn up to Rs 48 LPA with 8 years' experience as GCCs chase talent.

Also, read: Bengaluru AI engineers earn up to Rs 48 LPA with 8 years' experience as GCCs chase talent

Despite India’s deep pool of 54 lakh technology professionals and a young workforce, the rapid expansion of new centres and the shift from support functions to high-value innovation hubs have widened the supply-demand gap.

The report also brings to the fore that nearly 90 percent of India’s GCCs have evolved into multi-functional centres, with many moving into transformation and portfolio functions that require advanced skill sets.

Also, read: GCC no longer competitors but critical clients, says Infosys chairman Nilekani

Leadership visibility and employer branding have emerged as critical differentiators in this crowded market. Yet only 25-30 percent of GCCs have engaged communications or PR partners to strengthen their employer brand.

“GCCs in India have reached a point where operational excellence alone is not enough. Leaders need to step forward, own their narrative, and build brands that reflect ambition and impact,” Aman Gupta, Managing Partner, SPAG FINN Partners, was quoted as saying.

Also, read: GCC is truly successful when it becomes another headquarters: Accenture India GCC lead

The whitepaper also highlights the rise of Tier-2 cities such as Coimbatore, Kochi, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Chandigarh as expansion hotspots, driven by lower costs and a steady pipeline of engineering talent.

However, attracting experienced senior professionals to these locations remains a challenge.

Also, read: GCC leasing in Tier-II cities surges 2X in FY25 on cost, talent advantages

Even as India retains its position as the world’s largest GCC hub with revenues set to hit $100 billion by 2030, the intensifying war for talent is forcing organisations to rethink workforce development, leadership communication, and innovation strategy.

The report notes that 78 percent of GCCs are already investing in Gen AI upskilling, reflecting the urgency to close capability gaps. In this regard, Indian GCCs are retraining their staff as AI engineers to combat the talent shortage.

Also, read: Demand for AI talent surges across India’s GCCs, up to 3,500 roles open