Infosys, one of India’s leading IT companies, is set to lay off 400 trainee employees after they failed to clear the company’s internal evaluation tests. Reports indicate that these freshers were given three attempts to pass but were unable to meet the required standards.
Why is Infosys Laying Off Trainees?
According to a report by Moneycontrol, the layoffs account for nearly half of the new hires brought in by Infosys in October 2024. The affected employees, recruited for the roles of System Engineer (SE) and Digital Specialist Engineer (DSE), claim that the evaluation tests were intentionally difficult, making it nearly impossible for them to pass.
Infosys’ Official Stand
In an official statement, Infosys defended its decision, stating:
“At Infosys, we follow a rigorous hiring process. All freshers undergo foundational training at our Mysore campus and must pass an internal assessment. They are given three chances to clear the test, failing which they cannot continue with the company, as stated in their contract. This process has been in place for over two decades to ensure a high-quality workforce for our clients.”
Employees Allege Unfair Treatment
Some affected trainees have raised concerns over the fairness of the evaluation process. One trainee told Moneycontrol, “The tests were extremely tough, seemingly designed to make us fail. Many of us are now left with an uncertain future.”
Additionally, reports suggest that security personnel were present on campus to ensure trainees did not use mobile phones during the process. However, Infosys has denied allegations that bouncers were deployed. Sources claim that freshers were asked to vacate the premises by 6 PM and were made to sign “mutual separation” letters in batches of 50.
Demand for Government Intervention
The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has strongly opposed Infosys’ move, calling it “shocking and unethical.” Harpreet Singh Saluja, NITES President, stated that the organization is filing a formal complaint with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, seeking urgent intervention and strict action against Infosys.
“Corporate exploitation like this cannot be allowed to continue. We urge the government to take immediate steps to protect the rights and dignity of Indian IT workers,” Saluja added.
As the controversy unfolds, Infosys maintains that the layoffs are within policy guidelines, while affected employees continue to voice their concerns. It remains to be seen whether government intervention will alter the course of this decision.
