Infosys, one of India’s leading IT companies, is set to lay off 400 trainee employees after they failed the company’s internal evaluation test three times. The move has sparked controversy, with some freshers alleging that the tests were intentionally difficult to force them out.
Why Is Infosys Laying Off Employees?
According to a report by Moneycontrol, Infosys has been conducting layoffs among fresh recruits who joined the company in October 2024. These trainees, hired as System Engineers (SE) and Digital Specialist Engineers (DSE), were required to pass an internal assessment after completing their foundational training at Infosys’ Mysore campus.
The company follows a long-standing policy that mandates all freshers to clear this test within three attempts. Failure to do so results in termination, as per their employment contract. Infosys stated,
“At Infosys, we have a rigorous hiring process. Freshers undergo foundational training and must pass an internal assessment within three attempts. This policy, in place for over two decades, ensures we maintain high-quality talent for our clients.”
Freshers Speak Out: “The Tests Were Made to Fail Us”
Many affected employees claim the evaluation process was unfair. Some alleged that the tests were intentionally difficult to push them out of the company.
One trainee told Moneycontrol, “The exams were too tough, and it felt like we were being set up to fail. Many trainees even fainted due to the stress, as our future now seems uncertain.”
There were also reports that Infosys deployed security personnel to prevent trainees from using mobile phones on campus. However, the company has denied these claims. Sources indicate that freshers were asked to leave the premises by 6 PM and were made to sign “mutual separation” letters in batches of 50.
NITES Demands Government Action Against Infosys
The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), a workers’ rights organization, has condemned Infosys’ decision.
Harpreet Singh Saluja, President of NITES, called the move “shocking and unethical.” He claimed that nearly 700 employees were being let go, while Infosys insists the actual number is fewer than 350.
NITES has filed an official complaint with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, demanding immediate intervention.
“This blatant corporate exploitation cannot continue. We urge the government to take strict action to protect the rights and dignity of Indian IT workers,” Saluja said in a statement.
Final Thoughts
The layoffs at Infosys have ignited a debate over fairness in corporate hiring and evaluation processes. While the company defends its long-standing policy, affected employees and worker unions are calling for government intervention.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Let us know in the comments!
