Working in an APAC shift is common in the Indian corporate sector, especially in IT, customer service, and consulting domains. These shifts are aligned with business hours in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, including countries like Australia, Singapore, Japan, and others.
If you’re preparing for a role that mentions “APAC shift” in the job description, here’s everything you need to know about what it means, how it affects work hours, and how it varies by region and company.
What Does APAC Shift Mean?
APAC stands for Asia-Pacific, which includes countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania. To support clients or teams in those regions, Indian companies schedule APAC shifts that match the working hours of those countries.
Key Points:
- Aligns with working hours in countries like Australia, Singapore, and Japan
- Typically starts early in the morning (India time)
- Common in IT, BPOs, customer support, and global consulting roles
Typical APAC Shift Timings in India
APAC shifts in India usually start early in the day to overlap with the working hours of APAC countries. The standard timing is as follows:
| Shift Type | Start Time (IST) | End Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| Early APAC Shift | 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM |
| Mid APAC Shift | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
Variations by Company and Project
- Some roles may start as early as 5:00 AM, especially if supporting Australian time zones.
- Other shifts may begin at 8:30 AM and stretch to 5:30 PM, depending on project requirements.
- Night shifts labeled as APAC are rare but may occur in 24/7 support environments.
APAC Shift Timings in Bengaluru (Karnataka)
Bengaluru, often called the Silicon Valley of India, has a high number of companies operating in APAC shifts. Here’s what you should know if you’re in or moving to Bengaluru:
- Early APAC shifts usually begin between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM IST
- End times vary, usually wrapping up by 2:30 PM or 3:30 PM IST
- Some companies in Bengaluru offer flexible APAC shift options to support work-life balance
Industries That Commonly Use APAC Shifts
- Information Technology (IT)
- Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
- Customer Support Services
- Consulting and Research Firms
- Sales and Marketing Teams (with APAC clientele)
Pros and Cons of Working APAC Shifts
✅ Pros:
- Better work-life balance due to early shift end
- Avoidance of evening traffic in cities like Bengaluru or Mumbai
- Easier coordination with Asia-Pacific clients
❌ Cons:
- Early wake-up time
- May affect sleep schedule
- Limited time overlap with local Indian teams in normal shifts
Is APAC Shift Considered a Day or Night Shift?
An APAC shift is considered a day shift in India because it falls within the regular daylight hours. Unlike EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) or NALA (North America, Latin America) shifts that may require late-night or overnight work, APAC shifts are usually between 6:30 AM and 3:30 PM IST.
Flexibility in APAC Shifts
Many companies are offering flexible shift timings where employees can slightly adjust their log-in and log-out times. This depends on:
- Nature of the project
- Client requirements
- Employee preferences
Some companies also allow remote work or hybrid models for APAC support roles, enhancing flexibility further.
Where to Find APAC Shift Jobs in India
You can find thousands of APAC shift job listings on the following platforms:
Also, check with your employer or HR if you’re being offered a role that falls under an APAC shift.
FAQs About APAC Shift Timings in India
Que: What is the meaning of APAC shift in India?
Answer: APAC shift means working hours that align with the Asia-Pacific time zone, typically starting early in the morning Indian time.
Que: What are the common APAC shift timings in India?
Answer: Most APAC shifts in India start between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM IST and end around 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM IST.
Que: Are APAC shifts considered night shifts?
Answer: No. APAC shifts are day shifts, usually starting early in the morning.
Que: Is Bangalore the only city with APAC shifts?
Answer: No. While Bangalore has many APAC shift jobs, other cities like Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Gurugram also have similar opportunities.
Que: Can I work from home in an APAC shift?
Answer: Many companies offer remote or hybrid options depending on the role and project needs.
Final Thoughts
Understanding APAC shift timings in India helps professionals prepare better for job expectations. Whether you’re working from Bengaluru or any other metro city, APAC shifts offer a great opportunity to work with global clients in the Asia-Pacific region—while maintaining a decent work-life balance.
Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only. Timings and work conditions vary by employer and location. Always confirm with your HR or manager for accurate shift details.