Hiring across Global Capability Centres (GCCs) has slowed as companies increasingly focus on improving productivity through artificial intelligence (AI) rather than aggressively adding headcount, according to Info Edge, the parent company of Naukri.com.
Speaking during the company’s Q4FY26 earnings call, Info Edge managing director and chief executive officer Hitesh Oberoi said the broader hiring market remains subdued, with companies taking a cautious approach amid global macro uncertainty and rising AI adoption.
“The overall job market sentiment continues to be subdued. It’s not a hot market,” Oberoi said, adding that while hiring continues in select pockets, companies are taking longer to fill roles.
GCCs turn cautious on hiring
Smaller GCCs continue to hire, but several large captive centres have either slowed hiring or seen headcount shrink over the last few quarters as enterprises push for higher productivity from existing teams.
The commentary comes at a time when enterprises globally are reassessing workforce structures amid the rapid adoption of generative AI tools, automation platforms, and AI agents across software development and enterprise workflows.
Info Edge also indicated that hiring demand remains tied closely to macroeconomic conditions and global uncertainty, with sectors outside IT also seeing a moderation in recruitment activity.
AI roles remain a bright spot
Despite the broader slowdown, demand for AI and machine learning talent continues to remain strong, especially in engineering and premium hiring segments.
“A lot of companies want to hire this kind of talent,” Oberoi said, referring to AI and machine learning professionals.
However, he highlighted that most of the demand is concentrated in the Rs 20 lakh to Rs 50 lakh salary bracket rather than ultra-senior leadership hiring.
Info Edge said the premium hiring segment has been growing faster than the mid-market segment over the last few quarters, driven largely by demand for AI-linked skills.
The company also said employee movement across the market remains muted, with workers becoming more cautious about job switches amid uncertainty around AI disruption and the economy.
Attrition levels have remained stable but subdued over recent quarters.