Technology · India Bureau
AI, data skills drive third of GCC tech hiring despite slowdown
Specialized artificial intelligence, data analytics and cybersecurity roles are commanding a disproportionate share of technology hiring across Global Capability Centers in India, even as overall tech recruitment faces headwinds. The trend underscores a fundamental shift in skills demand among multinational employers operating from the country.
LSN India ·
According to a second-quarter analysis by staffing firm Quess Corp, three in every ten open positions in GCC technology divisions now focus on artificial intelligence, data engineering and cybersecurity specializations. This concentration of demand arrives amid a broader contraction, with overall technology hiring across Global Capability Centers declining 3.5 per cent during the period.
The resilience of specialized roles reflects multinational corporations' accelerating investment in data-driven operations and digital security infrastructure. As organizations worldwide prioritize artificial intelligence adoption and regulatory compliance, they are actively recruiting talent with niche expertise even while moderating headcount growth in traditional technology functions.
Geographically, the hiring dynamics reveal a notable shift toward India's Tier-2 cities. Beyond traditional technology hubs, centres in cities like Pune, Hyderabad and Bangalore's periphery are capturing an expanding share of GCC placements. This geographic diversification suggests multinational employers are looking beyond conventional talent pools to meet specialized skill requirements.
The findings indicate that India's technology workforce faces a bifurcated market: while conventional IT roles experience slower hiring, professionals with credentials in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science and cybersecurity command premium recruitment activity. For technology workers and educational institutions, the data signals a clear imperative to develop expertise in emerging digital domains.