The Talent500 study, published by ANSR, surveyed 2,000 tech, product and data professionals across India.
The data reveal a stark mismatch: 71% of respondents want hands‑on AI upskilling, yet only 29% report their current employers provide it.
Career progression tops the list of concerns, with 87% saying clearly defined paths are critical and 79% admitting they would drop a job offer if growth prospects were vague. At present, just 46% of all tech workers see their career trajectory as well‑defined; the figure drops to 36% among GCC employees, compared with 50% in IT services and 51% in startups.
GCCs emerge as the first choice for 69% of the respondents, eclipsing Indian product firms (37%) and outsourcing firms (28%).
When ranking what matters most in choosing a GCC, 48% cite career growth, followed by 41% of respondents who value the global parent brand, 36% who care about India‑centre leadership and culture, and 33% who prioritize exposure to AI and technology.
Co‑founder of ANSR and CEO of 1Wrk, Vikram Ahuja, notes that GCC hiring is expanding 15‑18% annually, with roles evolving rather than stagnating. The trend underscores that GCCs will increasingly compete for seasoned talent by offering clearer career pathways and AI‑focused opportunities.