Infosys has fired trainees again in its latest move to streamline its workforce. The IT major has reportedly fired 240 entry-level employees after they failed to clear an internal assessment. This is the second big round of performance-related exits in recent months, highlighting the company’s ongoing efforts to deal with a tough market environment.
Performance-Based Termination Continues
The 240 trainees were fired after their third and final attempt to clear the internal “Generic Foundation Training Programme”. Despite additional preparation time, doubt-clearing sessions and mock assessments, these employees failed to meet the eligibility criteria. According to internal communications, the company emphasised that failure in the assessment meant they could not continue in the apprenticeship programme.
This follows a similar move in February when Infosys fired over 300 trainees. Most of these individuals were hired in 2022, but were inducted only at the end of 2024 because of a hiring freeze due to macroeconomic challenges.
Skill Upgradation Support Through External Programs
Although the wave of layoffs of trainees by Infosys may seem harsh, the company has initiated several supportive measures. The affected employees have been offered free external training through partnerships with NIIT and UpGrad. These skill upgradation programs are aimed at equipping them with relevant skills to re-apply for roles within Infosys BPM Limited or explore opportunities elsewhere in the IT or BPM sectors.
Trainees have two career paths available: one focused on business process management (BPM) and the other on information technology fundamentals. Those who successfully complete the training can also re-apply for positions in the company.
Additional Benefits Offered
To ease the transition, Infosys is providing one month’s salary, travel allowances and accommodation for the affected trainees. Those who were at the Mysore training campus will be assisted with transportation to Bengaluru or their respective hometowns.
However, there have been allegations from some affected employees about poor treatment during the process. Complaints include pressure to resign, threats of blacklisting resumes, and not giving proper notice before asking to leave the job. Some trainees also complained of inadequate training support and alleged that instructors were not adequately equipped to teach coding effectively, especially to those with a non-computer science background.
Frequent Layoffs Raise Concerns
The pattern of layoffs of trainees by Infosys has been a cause of concern across the IT community. This is the third round of layoffs this year alone. Between February and April, around 600-700 trainees have been laid off after failing assessments. Most of them were recruited as System Engineers (SE) and Digital Specialist Engineers (DSE) but failed to clear the internal assessment.
The Neonatal Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has filed a complaint with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, calling Infosys’ actions “illegal and unethical”. According to NITES, the company forced trainees to sign mutual separation agreements without any adequate legal process or notice.
A Mixed Message Amid Recruitment Plans
Interestingly, the company has announced its intention to hire 20,000 freshers in the current fiscal, while 15,000 have already been inducted last year. The move, though seemingly optimistic, is in contrast to the ongoing layoffs. Infosys is facing challenges in key markets such as the US and Europe, where clients are cutting technology spending.
The current batch under assessment reportedly completed their engineering degrees during the Covid-19 pandemic, attending online classes and interviews. This unconventional academic background, coupled with limited practical training, may have played a role in their performance issues.
What’s next
The cycle of trainee layoffs at Infosys is not over yet. The results of the next batch are expected soon, and more exits may follow. However, the company’s continued investment in external training signals an effort to balance performance standards with employee support.
In a tough hiring environment, Infosys’ approach can be seen as both pragmatic and controversial. On the one hand, it maintains quality through rigorous assessments. On the other, it raises questions about support systems for new hires, especially those with diverse educational backgrounds.
As the IT landscape evolves, a focus on skill readiness, continuous learning, and ethical offboarding practices will be critical to maintaining a balance between business goals and employee well-being. Infosys is completely focused on this as it continues to shape its workforce for the future.
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