India Inc Projects Average 9.1% Salary Hike in 2026 with GCCs Leading Growth

India Inc is expected to offer an average salary hike of around 9.1% in 2026, reflecting a stabilization after recent fluctuations. Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are projected to lead with increases near 10.4%, followed by financial services, e-commerce, and life sciences sectors. Real estate and non-banking financial companies may also see hikes above 10%. Attrition rates are moderating, with voluntary exits remaining high. Companies are increasingly focusing on skill-based pay, especially for AI and digital roles, alongside performance differentiation and variable compensation.