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Infosys, one of India’s leading IT firms, is currently in the process of laying off 400 trainee employees after they reportedly failed three consecutive evaluation tests. According to a report by Moneycontrol, these layoffs account for nearly half of the fresh recruits hired in October 2024.
Several affected freshers claim that the tests were excessively difficult and designed to fail them. The layoffs primarily impact recruits hired as System Engineers (SE) and Digital Specialist Engineers (DSE).
Trainees Given Three Chances to Clear the Test
In an official statement, Infosys defended its decision, stating:
“At Infosys, we follow a rigorous hiring process. Freshers undergo foundational training at our Mysore campus and must pass an internal assessment to continue with the company. They are given three opportunities to clear the test. Failure to do so results in termination, as stated in their contract. This process has been in place for over two decades to ensure we maintain a high-quality talent pool for our clients.”
Freshers Claim the Tests Were Unfairly Tough
Some of the affected trainees expressed frustration and disappointment, alleging that the tests were deliberately designed to ensure failure. One dismissed trainee told Moneycontrol:
“It is unfair because the tests were extremely tough and set up to make us fail. Many trainees even fainted as the future now looks uncertain.”
Reports also suggest that Infosys deployed security personnel to prevent trainees from using mobile phones during the process. However, Infosys has denied these claims, asserting that no bouncers were deployed. Sources indicate that freshers were asked to vacate the premises by 6 PM and were reportedly called in groups of 50 to sign ‘mutual separation’ letters.
Calls for Government Action Against Infosys
The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), a labor rights organization, has condemned the layoffs. Harpreet Singh Saluja, NITES president and lawyer, criticized Infosys, stating:
“In an unethical move, Infosys is forcibly terminating nearly 700 campus recruits who were hired just months ago in October 2024.”
However, Infosys maintains that the actual number of layoffs is under 350.
In response, NITES has filed a formal complaint with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, urging immediate intervention and strict action against Infosys.
“This blatant corporate exploitation cannot continue. We demand that the government take immediate action to protect the rights and dignity of Indian IT workers,” Saluja emphasized.
What’s Next?
With growing backlash and legal intervention on the horizon, all eyes are now on Infosys and the Indian labor authorities to see how they address the escalating concerns over the layoffs.
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