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India’s global capability centre (GCC) sector is facing a growing talent challenge as companies take on more strategic work. A PwC India-FICCI study found that shortages are already delaying projects and limiting expansion in artificial intelligence and digital programs.
The study surveyed 200 senior GCC executives across eight industries. It found that 11% of GCC leaders said their global headquarters are actively assessing or moving mandates to competing locations. That signals a new risk for India’s position in the global GCC market.
Nearly 59% of GCCs reported delays in product launches, project schedules or go-to-market plans linked to talent gaps. Another 54% said shortages were restricting their ability to expand AI and digital transformation programs.
The talent problem is also raising costs for GCCs. About 56% of respondents said they were relying more on external vendors or contractors at higher costs. Work pressure is another concern. Around 49% of GCCs reported higher attrition among skilled employees as workloads increased. A further 45% said wage growth was significantly above their budget estimates.
The pressure comes as GCCs move beyond traditional support and execution roles. More than 85% expect their mandates to expand by 2030. These roles are expected to include greater technology leadership, strategic ownership and wider business responsibilities.
Around one in five GCCs is also targeting global profit-and-loss responsibility. That shift means companies need deeper leadership skills rather than only larger teams.
The study points to a sharper need for investment in AI-ready talent. About 80% of GCCs said action is needed within the next 12 months to strengthen workforce, management and leadership capabilities. Talent investment budgets are typically around 3% of operating budgets. The report said these could need to double to at least 6% to build capabilities suited to the AI era.
About 94% of GCC leaders said they need to invest at least 6%. Another 27% expect their investment to cross 8%. Industry-designed GCC certification standards received support from 53% of respondents. AI centres of excellence and AI-powered learning platforms followed at 51%. Cross-GCC executive AI leadership academies were supported by 48%.
GCC growth can no longer depend mainly on the availability of skilled workers. Companies are looking for AI-ready employees, stronger leaders and broader business skills. Building that talent base will be critical if India wants to keep attracting high-value global mandates.
Also Read: Top Recruitment Agencies for India to GCC Hiring in 2026
