IT-BPM Hiring to Decline Over 26% in H1 FY27

According to HAN Digital's India IT-BPM Workforce Outlook Report 2027, India's IT-BPM sector is projected to record fewer than 70,000 net workforce additions during H1 FY27, compared with an estimated 95,000 additions in the corresponding period of FY26. This represents a decline of more than 26%, as per news reports. 

The report's projections reflect a shift in workforce planning across the 5.95-million-strong industry, with companies placing greater emphasis on AI-driven productivity, leaner operating models and flexible talent. 

GCC Hiring Projected at 30,000-32,000 

Global capability centres are projected to remain the largest source of new hiring in H1 FY27, although additions are estimated at 30,000-32,000 employees, compared with 45,000 during the same period last year. 

The report identifies AI and machine learning engineering, platform capabilities, cybersecurity and specialised domain roles as key hiring areas, while broad-based delivery positions receive less emphasis. 

IT Services and Other Segments 

IT services, consulting, Big Four and product engineering companies are projected to add 22,000-25,000 employees in H1 FY27, compared with 35,000 in H1 FY26. 

Pure-play BPOs, MLOps companies and technology startups are projected to contribute another 8,000-10,000 employees, against 15,000 a year earlier. 

Economic Conditions Affect Hiring Plans 

The report's projections are based on reported first-quarter financial results and inputs from a survey of more than 350 companies. 

It also points to wider economic uncertainty, including ongoing conflicts in West Asia. Customers in retail, travel and manufacturing are delaying discretionary spending and slowing technology investments, contributing to tighter cost management among technology companies. 

Flexible Workforce Gains Ground 

The report notes increasing use of contract and flexible talent for project-based requirements, allowing companies to manage attrition and specific project needs without equivalent expansion in permanent headcount. 

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Conclusion 

HAN Digital's FY27 outlook places H1 net workforce additions below 70,000, with recruitment increasingly concentrated around AI and specialised capabilities while contract and flexible staffing gain a larger role in workforce planning. 

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