Job openings at Indian semiconductor design global capability centers (GCCs) increased in the last quarter of 2025, with November and December showing the strongest growth compared to earlier months. Despite this, hiring levels remained below those seen at the beginning of the year, as per a report analyzing the top 50 semiconductor design GCCs. The report highlighted a shift in hiring trends, with large GCCs experiencing significant fluctuations, while mid-sized GCCs remained more stable.
Renewed confidence was observed in the semiconductor industry during Q4 2025, with all sizes of GCCs recording at least one month of positive hiring momentum. This indicated a selective recovery rather than a widespread rebound. The sector is moving towards prioritizing specialized roles that offer direct design impact and long-term IP value, shifting away from volume-led growth strategies. Core VLSI roles accounted for a significant portion of open positions, emphasizing the importance of advanced design capabilities.
Neelabh Shukla, Chief Business Officer at Careernet, noted that the hiring landscape in Q4 2025 reflects a structural change in India’s semiconductor design ecosystem. Organizations are focusing on roles that contribute to long-term value creation, supported by policies promoting R&D, domestic IP creation, and industry-specific skilling initiatives. This transition signifies India’s progression from a cost-efficient design hub to a capability-driven semiconductor powerhouse.
