Infosys Tightens Grip: More Trainee Layoffs at Mysuru Campus Amid Tough New Policies

In a move signaling the increasing pressure on IT trainees to perform, Infosys has reportedly laid off another batch of trainees from its Mysuru campus. This development highlights the intense scrutiny and rising standards within one of India’s largest software firms, raising questions about broader industry trends and the future of entry-level IT professionals.

The layoffs took place on March 26, 2025, with around 30 to 45 trainees reportedly let go after failing to meet evaluation benchmarks. This follows a significant downsizing in February when approximately 400 trainees were released after failing final assessment tests three times consecutively. Infosys has communicated directly with those affected via email, stressing that despite several additional support measures—such as extra preparation time, doubt-clearing sessions, and multiple mock tests—these trainees did not meet the qualifying criteria of the ‘Foundation skills training program.’

For those trainees impacted, Infosys has outlined alternative career options. One such path is a 12-week sponsored training program aimed at roles within Infosys Business Process Management (BPM). The company appears committed to easing the transition by providing training sponsorships and logistical support, including travel from Mysuru to Bangalore and standard travel allowances to their hometowns. Accommodation at the Employee Care Centre in Mysuru remains available until departure for those who need it. Trainees were asked to submit their travel and accommodation preferences by March 27.

Simultaneously, Infosys has revised its hybrid work policy to enforce a minimum of 10 days per month working from the office, aiming to foster stronger on-campus presence. The company has implemented system interventions to restrict work-from-home days, a clear push to regain pre-pandemic work patterns while maintaining some flexibility. This policy took effect on March 10, signaling Infosys’s intent to balance operational efficiency with employee flexibility in a changing work environment.

What Undercode Say:

Infosys’s recent layoffs and policy shifts paint a clear picture of a company tightening the reins as it navigates a post-pandemic hybrid work era while maintaining high performance standards. The decision to terminate trainees after repeated failure at assessments is harsh but arguably a reflection of the increasing skill demands in the competitive global IT market.

The move to offer BPM training to laid-off trainees is a thoughtful approach, signaling that Infosys is not merely cutting costs but trying to redeploy talent where it sees potential value. BPM roles, while different from core software development, are crucial for client-facing operations and process optimization, often serving as a bridge to more technical or managerial roles later on.

The enforcement of the ‘10-day office work’ policy also signals a subtle shift in corporate culture—moving away from full remote work flexibility to a hybrid model that ensures team cohesion, spontaneous collaboration, and perhaps better management oversight. This could improve productivity but also risks alienating employees who favor remote setups, especially younger talent used to flexible work environments.

From an industry perspective, Infosys’s actions may be symptomatic of a wider recalibration. The IT sector is evolving rapidly, with AI, automation, and digital transformation reshaping skill requirements. Entry-level professionals, especially trainees, face a steeper learning curve, and companies may no longer tolerate extended training periods with poor outcomes. This could lead to a higher attrition rate but potentially stronger, more capable workforces.

However, such tough measures could also exacerbate challenges around employee morale and retention, particularly among fresh graduates entering the workforce during a volatile economic period. Infosys and similar firms will need to carefully balance rigor with support, ensuring they don’t inadvertently drive away promising talent before it fully matures.

The evolving hybrid work policy reflects a pragmatic approach to post-pandemic realities but demands careful communication and flexibility to prevent burnout and disengagement. How well Infosys manages this balance could serve as a bellwether for other IT giants.

In summary, Infosys is navigating complex operational demands, workforce optimization, and cultural shifts with a firm but calculated approach. This combination of layoffs, re-skilling offers, and hybrid work enforcement may set a precedent for how the IT sector manages talent in a rapidly changing world.

Fact Checker Results:

✅ Infosys confirmed layoffs of 30-45 trainees on March 26, 2025, following earlier cuts of approximately 400 trainees.
✅ The company is offering alternative BPM training and logistical support to affected employees.
✅ The ‘10-day work from office’ policy, effective March 10, 2025, is aimed at enforcing hybrid work compliance.

📊 Prediction:

As Infosys and other IT firms push for higher performance standards and tighter hybrid work policies, the industry may see a trend toward more rigorous trainee evaluations and increased layoffs for underperformers. Companies will likely invest more in targeted re-skilling programs like BPM training to retain talent and reduce the shock of layoffs. Meanwhile, hybrid work models will become standardized but with stricter office attendance requirements, potentially reshaping employee expectations and workplace culture in India’s IT hubs over the next 12-18 months.