Infosys Layoffs: India’s second-largest IT services giant, Infosys, is facing growing criticism following the termination of 240 trainees in the second round of performance-based layoffs within two months. This move comes on the heels of a similar action in February 2025, where the company had let go of 320 trainees, citing their failure to clear internal assessments.
The affected trainees, who were originally hired in 2022 and onboarded in October 2024, were part of Infosys’ Generic Foundation Training Programme. Despite being given additional time, doubt-clearing sessions, multiple mock assessments, and three final attempts, the trainees were unable to meet the company’s qualifying criteria.
Infosys Offers Alternative Pathways for Impacted Trainees
In an email sent to the impacted employees, Infosys wrote:
“Further to assessment of the results of your final assessment attempt, please be informed that you have not met the qualifying criteria… despite the additional preparation time, doubt-clearing sessions, several mock assessments and three attempts.”
The company, however, announced a career support initiative, offering two externally sponsored training options through NIIT and UpGrad, both funded by Infosys:
- A BPM-focused pathway: Trainees can undergo training in business process management and may apply to roles at Infosys BPM Ltd upon successful completion.
- An IT fundamentals track: For those wishing to continue in IT, Infosys will sponsor further training to help them upskill and explore opportunities in the sector.
Alongside the training, the company is also offering one month’s pay, accommodation, and travel allowance to help ease the transition for those affected.
Employee Union Slams Infosys, Files Second Complaint
The layoffs have triggered a sharp response from the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), a prominent employee welfare organization. NITES has filed a second formal complaint with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, alleging that the dismissals were unethical and unlawful.
In an official statement, NITES condemned Infosys’ actions:
“Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) strongly condemns the unlawful and unethical actions of Infosys Ltd., which has once again proceeded to terminate 370 apprentices enrolled under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) by coercing them into signing ‘mutual separation’ agreements. These actions have been carried out without any legal justification, prior notice, or adherence to due process, and in complete defiance of the authority of the Government of India.”
The union claims that Infosys pressured apprentices under the NATS program, which is governed by government norms, into “mutual separation” agreements — a move they argue is not only unethical but potentially in violation of India’s labor laws.
Infosys’ Hiring and Training Push in FY25
Infosys has onboarded 15,000 trainees in FY25, as part of its regular campus hiring drive. However, the back-to-back termination of 370 trainees raises serious questions about the company’s training effectiveness, employee support systems, and assessment transparency.
While Infosys has defended its move by pointing to multiple support measures offered to underperforming trainees, the growing backlash from employees and unions may prompt government intervention, especially with regulatory bodies becoming increasingly sensitive to labor rights in India’s booming tech sector.
