Infosys, one of India's leading IT services firms, has made headlines again by terminating 240 trainees at its Mysuru training campus due to poor performance in internal assessments. This decision, announced via email on April 18, 2025, follows a similar round of layoffs earlier this year when nearly 400 trainees were let go for the same reasons. The recent firings highlight ongoing concerns about job security in the IT sector, particularly for fresh graduates entering the workforce.
The affected trainees, who were selected in 2022, had joined Infosys’ Generic Foundation Training Program in late 2024. Despite being given multiple chances to succeed, including three attempts to clear the assessments and additional preparation time, they were unable to meet the qualifying criteria. The company emphasized that this was part of a structured performance evaluation process.
In an internal email viewed by The New Indian Express, Infosys stated, "Further to the announcement of the results of your final assessment attempt, please be informed that 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." This email marked a disappointing conclusion for many trainees who had been eagerly awaiting their chance to begin their careers.
Infosys has pledged to provide support for those affected by the layoffs. The company is offering free upskilling programs through partnerships with NIIT and UpGrad, focusing on IT fundamentals and Business Process Management (BPM) roles. Trainees who successfully complete these programs may be considered for roles at Infosys BPM Limited. Additionally, the company is providing one month’s financial support, free accommodation at the Mysuru campus, and travel assistance to Bengaluru or their hometowns.
The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), which represents IT professionals, has condemned the layoffs, alleging violations of labor rights and lack of transparent communication. Harpreet Singh Saluja, president of NITES, expressed concerns about the ethical implications of the terminations, stating, "Apprenticeship is meant to empower and train young professionals, not to exploit them under temporary contracts and discard them without legal recourse." The organization has called for an investigation into the layoffs and has submitted a second complaint to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Despite the backlash, Infosys has reiterated its commitment to hiring and plans to onboard 20,000 fresh engineering graduates in the next fiscal year. The company maintains that performance-based exits do not reflect a hiring freeze but rather a shift towards prioritizing quality over quantity in its workforce.
The situation at Infosys reflects a broader trend in the IT industry, where companies are becoming increasingly selective in their hiring processes. As project margins tighten and clients demand greater readiness from junior staff, firms are focusing on ensuring that new hires meet specific performance standards. This shift has significant implications for job seekers, parents, and educational institutions.
For job seekers, this means that securing an offer is only the beginning; they must also prepare thoroughly for company-specific training and assessment phases. Parents and students should be aware of the growing gap between academic education and corporate expectations, prompting potential curriculum enhancements and pre-job skill development programs.
In light of these changes, affected trainees are encouraged to take immediate action. They should enroll in NTA/Infosys-supported programs via NIIT or UpGrad to enhance their employability. It's also advisable to consult legal advice before signing any termination documents and to explore opportunities in the BPM sector, which is currently hiring aggressively for trained professionals.
The layoffs at Infosys underscore a significant shift in the standards for fresher onboarding in the IT sector. While the company has promised support structures, the emotional and career impact on hundreds of freshers cannot be overlooked. As Indian IT firms navigate a challenging economic landscape, candidates must now consider post-offer assessments as critical as campus placements.
In summary, the recent layoffs at Infosys serve as a stark reminder of the pressures facing the IT industry. As firms adapt to changing market conditions, the emphasis on performance and readiness will only intensify. For those entering this competitive field, continuous learning and adaptability will be key to securing and maintaining employment.
