India’s semiconductor design Global Capability Centres (GCCs) recorded a 15% drop in job openings during FY 2024–25, according to a new report, as hiring momentum was tempered by geopolitical instability and continued global supply chain disruptions.
Hiring dips despite skill resilience in core domains
The report, released by talent solutions firm Careernet, revealed that job openings in the semiconductor design space peaked in May 2024 at 3,760 roles. The number then declined steadily, reaching 3,040 in January 2025 and ending the fiscal year with 3,181 open roles in March.
This represents a year-on-year contraction of nearly 15% in active roles across India’s top 50 semiconductor design GCCs. While overall hiring has softened, demand for specialised talent in areas such as Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI), embedded systems, and RF/analogue design remained stable. The report highlighted that mid-sized GCCs continued to show agility in hiring for these niche skill sets.
Also read: India’s GCC Workforce to Reach 3 Million by 2030: FirstMeridian
Sector shaped by global shifts and domestic optimism
As a sector with a comparatively smaller workforce than other tech domains, semiconductor design is more susceptible to hiring fluctuations caused by the actions of a few large players. This dynamic has become more pronounced amid global economic volatility and shifting investment priorities in advanced computing and AI technologies.
The report also pointed out sustained demand within the IP design segment, which focuses on developing specialised chip components and reusable design blocks. This sub-sector remained active in its hiring practices despite the broader downturn.
Looking ahead, the medium- to long-term outlook remains positive. Ongoing global efforts to strengthen semiconductor supply chains, coupled with Indian government initiatives to expand local design and manufacturing capabilities, are expected to support future growth in semiconductor design employment.
