In a significant move that has drawn attention within the tech industry, Infosys has terminated the services of 240 trainees who failed to meet the qualifying criteria in its internal assessment program. This decision, communicated through internal emails on April 18, 2025, comes after the affected trainees struggled to pass the company's 'Generic Foundation Training Program' despite multiple attempts and additional support.
According to reports from Moneycontrol, the trainees were given ample opportunities to succeed, including extra preparation time, question-answer sessions, and mock assessments. However, their efforts were not enough, leading to their dismissal. The internal email stated, "You have not met the qualifying criteria in the ‘Generic Foundation Training Program’ despite the additional preparation time, doubt-clearing sessions, several mock assessments and three attempts. As a result, you will not be able to continue your journey for the apprenticeship program." This harsh reality follows a disheartening trend within the company.
Just a month earlier, in February 2025, Infosys had laid off nearly 300 trainees at its Mysuru facility for similar reasons. This earlier round of layoffs affected more than half of the trainees onboarded just five months prior, in October 2024. The situation escalated to the point where over 100 of these dismissed trainees reached out to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), seeking intervention to restore their employment. In their letter, they urged the government to take steps to prevent such occurrences in the future, highlighting the precarious position many entry-level employees find themselves in.
The timing of these layoffs is particularly noteworthy, as they coincide with Infosys reporting an 11.7% year-over-year decline in net profit for the fourth quarter ending March 2025, amounting to Rs 7,033 crore. This financial downturn could be influencing the company's decisions regarding staffing and training programs.
In an effort to mitigate the impact of the layoffs, Infosys has implemented several assistance initiatives for the affected trainees. The company has partnered with NIIT (National Institute of Information Technology) and UpGrad to offer free upskilling workshops aimed at enhancing the employability of these individuals in the Business Process Management (BPM) sector or improving their Information Technology (IT) skills. These training options are also extended to employees who were laid off in the previous round of cuts.
Furthermore, Infosys is providing financial support to those who have lost their jobs. Affected trainees will receive one month's salary, along with lodging and travel allowances to return to their hometowns or to Bengaluru from the company's Mysuru training site. This financial assistance aims to ease the transition for the laid-off employees as they seek new opportunities in a challenging job market.
The repetitive nature of these layoffs raises questions about the effectiveness of the training programs and the criteria used to assess trainees. As the tech industry continues to evolve, the pressure on companies like Infosys to maintain high standards while also managing costs becomes increasingly complex. The layoffs not only affect the individuals involved but also reflect broader trends within the industry regarding employment stability and the expectations placed on entry-level employees.
As Infosys navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen how the company will address the concerns raised by former trainees and what measures will be taken to improve the training and assessment processes in the future. The layoffs have sparked discussions about the responsibilities of large tech firms in supporting their workforce and the importance of providing adequate training and resources to help employees succeed.
In conclusion, the recent layoffs at Infosys highlight the precarious nature of entry-level employment in the tech sector and the challenges faced by companies in balancing performance expectations with employee support. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be crucial for firms to adapt their training programs and support systems to ensure that all employees have the opportunity to thrive.
