infosys layoffs trainees
In early February 2025, Infosys, a leading Indian IT services company, terminated approximately 350 freshers at its Mysuru campus after they failed to clear mandatory internal assessments. These assessments, focusing on areas such as Java programming and database management systems, required a minimum score of 65%. Trainees were given three attempts to pass, as stipulated in their contracts. The Times of India+8The Times of India+8The Times of India+8The Times of India+1The Times of India+1India Today+5Business News India+5The Times of India+5
Infosys stated that this evaluation process has been in place for over two decades to ensure a high quality of talent for their clients. The company emphasized that all freshers undergo extensive foundational training and are expected to clear these internal assessments. The Times of India+8India Today+8Business News India+8
However, the terminations have drawn criticism from the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), which labeled the move as “shocking and unethical.” NITES announced plans to file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, urging government intervention. The Times of India+4Business News India+4India Today+4
Some affected employees expressed distress over the abrupt nature of the layoffs, noting that they were asked to leave the premises by 6 PM without prior notice, severance packages, or alternative accommodation. One trainee from Patna highlighted the financial strain of sudden travel expenses. The Times of India+3The Times of India+3The Times of India+3
Critics also pointed out that the evaluation criteria had become more stringent, with the passing threshold raised from 50% to 65% and the training syllabus expanded significantly. This change reportedly required trainees to complete around 200 hours of study, along with additional daily self-study. The Times of India
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of fresh graduates in the IT industry, the ethical implications of such assessment processes, and the need for transparent communication between employers and employees.
