Infosys Fires 240 Trainees Over Assessment Failures: Support, Criticism, and What’s Next
In its second wave of terminations this year, Infosys has laid off 240 trainees after failing internal tests. The company claims support initiatives, but criticism is mounting.
Key Highlights:
Infosys Layoffs Trainees has become a headline-grabbing topic this April as the IT giant terminated 240 fresh recruits at its Mysuru training campus following poor performance in internal assessments. This marks the second wave of freshers being let go in 2025, adding to ongoing concerns about job security in India’s IT sector.
The company stated that the terminations were part of a structured performance evaluation after giving multiple chances and extended preparation to these trainees.
Performance-Based Terminations at Mysuru Campus
The affected candidates were selected in 2022 and joined Infosys’ Generic Foundation Training Program in late 2024. They underwent standard assessment modules designed to evaluate technical readiness before deployment to projects.
- Number of Trainees Terminated: 240
- Training Location: Infosys Global Education Center, Mysuru
- Attempts Given: 3, with extended preparation time and support
- Assessment Type: Internal technical evaluations
Despite support systems like doubt-clearing sessions and academic mentoring, these trainees were unable to clear the benchmarked tests.
Support Measures Promised by Infosys
Infosys emphasized that its approach was non-punitive and highlighted support mechanisms to soften the impact of the layoffs:
- Free Upskilling: Affected trainees are being offered access to external programs from platforms like NIIT and UpGrad, focusing on IT fundamentals and Business Process Management (BPM) roles.
- Career Transition Opportunities: Candidates who complete upskilling successfully may be considered for roles at Infosys BPM Limited.
- Ex-Gratia and Logistical Help: One month’s financial support, free accommodation at Mysuru campus, and travel assistance to Bengaluru or their hometowns are part of the severance offer.
- Outplacement Services: Infosys will assist affected individuals in finding employment outside the company.
Industry Bodies and Employee Groups React
The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has strongly condemned the move, accusing Infosys of coercing trainees into signing mutual separation agreements without legal oversight.
- Allegations Include:
- Violation of labor rights
- Lack of transparent communication
- Pressure tactics to accept exit terms
NITES has called on labor authorities to investigate and potentially intervene in the matter, claiming the terminations were neither ethical nor in line with corporate social responsibility norms.
Infosys’ Hiring Plans for FY26 Remain Intact
While facing backlash, Infosys reiterated its commitment to hiring and clarified that performance-based exits do not reflect a hiring freeze. The company aims to onboard 20,000 fresh engineering graduates in the next fiscal year.
This situation reflects the larger trend of companies prioritizing quality over quantity during onboarding and post-training deployment, especially in a climate where project margins are tight and clients are demanding greater readiness from junior staff.
What This Means for You
- Job Seekers: Must focus not just on securing offers but preparing thoroughly for company-specific training and assessment phases.
- Parents & Students: This highlights the growing gap between academic education and corporate expectations.
- IT Institutions: Curriculum enhancements and pre-job skill development programs may be necessary to align with industry benchmarks.
How to Take Action If You’re Affected
- Upskill Immediately: Enroll in NTA/Infosys-supported programs via NIIT or UpGrad to stay in the hiring loop.
- Consult Legal Advice: Before signing any termination document, consult labor lawyers or reach out to employee forums like NITES.
- Apply to BPM Roles: BPM arms of IT companies are hiring aggressively, especially for trained professionals with foundational knowledge.
Layoffs Signal Changing Standards in Fresher Onboarding
The Infosys Layoffs Trainees incident is a signal that the industry is shifting its tolerance for underperformance even at the entry level. While support structures have been promised, the emotional and career impact on hundreds of freshers is undeniable.
As Indian IT firms look to optimize costs and deploy billable talent faster, candidates must now consider post-offer assessments just as important as campus placements themselves.
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