Infosys Lays Off 400 Trainees in Mysuru Amid Rigorous Assessment Failures

Infosys Lays Off 400 Trainees in Mysuru Amid Rigorous Assessment Failures

Infosys Lays Off 400 Trainees at Mysuru Campus After Evaluation Failures

In a move that has sparked outrage, Infosys has reportedly laid off around 400 trainees at its Mysuru campus due to their failure to pass multiple internal evaluation tests. The trainees, who were part of the October 2024 cohort, are the latest casualties of the company’s rigorous assessment process that has drawn both support and criticism from various corners of the IT industry. According to sources familiar with the matter, these layoffs represent about half of the original trainee cohort.

The decision comes in the wake of a series of strict evaluations that trainees were required to clear in order to continue their employment with the software giant. Those affected by the layoffs had failed to meet the required standards on three separate occasions, prompting the company to exercise its right to terminate their contracts. Infosys has long upheld a strict policy that all freshers, after undergoing extensive foundational training at the Mysuru campus, must pass internal assessments to prove their readiness for client-facing roles.

Infosys’s Rigorous Training and Evaluation Process

Infosys, one of India’s leading IT services exporters, follows a stringent internal assessment process that is intended to maintain a high quality of talent for its clients. The company’s training program at the Mysuru campus is known for its intense curriculum, which prepares fresh graduates for the complex demands of the tech industry.

“At Infosys, we have a rigorous hiring process where all freshers, after undergoing extensive foundational training at our Mysuru campus, are expected to clear internal assessments,” the company said in an official statement. “All freshers get three attempts to clear the assessment, failing which they will not be able to continue with the organisation, as is also mentioned in their contract.”

While Infosys has emphasized that the evaluation process has been in place for over two decades, this policy has sparked significant controversy. Critics argue that the high level of difficulty of the tests leaves many trainees with no option but to fail, especially given the high pressure and stress involved.

Emotional Toll on Trainees: A Difficult Reality

Several former trainees have come forward, alleging that the tests were intentionally difficult, making it nearly impossible to pass. One trainee, speaking to Moneycontrol, described the ordeal as “unjustified,” claiming that the tests were designed in a way that left trainees with little chance of success. “Many trainees have fainted; the future looks bleak now,” they shared, highlighting the emotional toll of the evaluation process.

In an attempt to maintain order, Infosys has reportedly called in security personnel, including bouncers, to manage the situation, although the company later denied the deployment of such individuals. Sources indicate that the affected trainees were asked to vacate the premises by 6 PM, a deadline that left many feeling rushed and uncertain about their futures.

Union and Labor Groups Speak Out

The recent layoffs have raised alarms in labor and union circles. The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), a union representing IT employees, has strongly condemned the layoffs and announced plans to file an official complaint with the Ministry of Labour & Employment. Harpreet Singh Saluja, the president of NITES, called for immediate intervention, urging the government to take swift action.

“This blatant corporate exploitation cannot be allowed to continue, and we urge the government to take swift action to uphold the rights and dignity of Indian IT workers,” Saluja said in a statement. His remarks reflect growing concern over the treatment of IT professionals, particularly in the wake of the ongoing challenges facing the global tech industry.

The Impact of the Industry Slowdown on Hiring

The layoffs at Infosys are not an isolated incident but rather a reflection of the broader challenges faced by the Indian IT sector. The IT industry, which saw a hiring boom in the years following the pandemic, is now grappling with a slowdown in demand. The global recessionary fears and a decrease in discretionary spending by clients have led companies to pause or delay hiring, creating a difficult environment for recent graduates and trainees.

Infosys had initially extended offer letters to many candidates in 2022, but due to the macroeconomic downturn, the company had to delay onboarding, leaving many freshers in limbo for over two years. Finally, in September 2024, the company onboarded about 1,000 freshers but has since had to part ways with a significant portion of them.

Looking Ahead: Uncertainty for the IT Workforce

The layoffs of the 400 trainees serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the global IT job market. While Infosys continues to stand by its evaluation policies, the emotional and professional toll on trainees is undeniable. As the industry continues to adjust to changing market conditions, it remains to be seen how companies like Infosys will balance their stringent recruitment policies with the need for workforce stability.

As India’s second-largest software exporter, Infosys is seen as a bellwether for the IT industry, and its decisions often influence industry trends. For now, the focus will likely remain on how companies in the sector navigate the complexities of recruitment, layoffs, and employee welfare during challenging economic times.