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On April 18, 2025, Infosys, one of India’s largest IT companies, announced that it had fired an additional 240 trainees who failed to meet the necessary performance criteria in its internal assessment program. This move follows an earlier round of layoffs in February when over 300 trainees were let go. The trainees were part of the company’s Generic Foundation Training Program, and despite extended preparation time, mock assessments, and multiple attempts, they were unable to meet the qualifying standards.
the Original
Infosys has terminated 240 trainees who could not meet the criteria set by its internal assessment program. These individuals had undergone additional training, doubt-clearing sessions, and mock exams, yet they failed to pass the final test. This round of layoffs, which took place on April 18, 2025, came just two months after a similar event in February, where over 300 trainees were also dismissed for not meeting performance standards.
The termination email, sent to the affected trainees, outlined the company’s efforts to support them moving forward. Infosys, in partnership with educational platforms such as NIIT and UpGrad, is offering free upskilling programs to those affected. These programs are designed to help trainees prepare for roles in the Business Process Management (BPM) industry or continue improving their IT skills. Additionally, Infosys is offering professional outplacement services and external training to help the trainees find new career opportunities.
As part of their severance package, the dismissed trainees are entitled to one month’s pay as ex-gratia, a relieving letter, and travel allowances for relocation. They will also have access to accommodation at Infosys’ Employee Care Centre in Mysore, as well as counseling support. Moreover, they can choose between two external training options: one focused on BPM industry roles and the other on IT fundamentals to advance their IT careers.
What Undercode Says:
The termination of 240 trainees is a significant move by Infosys, one that raises questions about the expectations set by the company and the future of these trainees. The layoffs come after an earlier round of similar terminations, which highlights the company’s strict performance criteria and the difficulty many trainees face in meeting them. While it’s not uncommon for companies to let go of employees or trainees who fail to meet performance standards, the frequency of these layoffs and the high stakes involved in the assessments have caught the attention of many in the industry.
The partnership between Infosys and educational platforms such as NIIT and UpGrad is an important aspect of the company’s support efforts. Offering these trainees the opportunity to further their education and gain industry-specific skills is a positive step, but it also speaks to a larger trend in the tech industry—companies are increasingly holding employees and trainees to very high standards, with little room for error. This raises the question of whether such high expectations are fair, especially given that many of these trainees are at the start of their careers and still learning the ropes of the industry.
Furthermore, the support in the form of external training programs, career counseling, and relocation assistance highlights Infosys’ attempts to soften the blow of the layoffs. However, some might argue that this approach doesn’t fully address the emotional and financial challenges that these trainees may face after being let go. The question remains: is this enough to help them get back on their feet, or will these trainees struggle to find new opportunities in a competitive job market?
This situation also sheds light on the increasing importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the IT industry. As technology evolves at a rapid pace, employees must be able to continuously upgrade their skills. The emphasis on upskilling programs reflects the industry’s need for employees who can keep up with the fast-changing demands of the job market. For those affected by the layoffs, these programs may offer a valuable opportunity to re-enter the workforce with new skills and knowledge.
Fact Checker Results:
Ex-gratia Payment: A one-month pay is offered, which is standard practice for many companies in India during terminations.
Learning Support: The external training programs offered by Infosys align with industry standards for professional development.
Outplacement Services: Infosys provides career counseling and relocation support, a commendable effort in helping former trainees transition.
Prediction:
As the tech industry continues to evolve, the demand for highly skilled professionals will likely increase, pushing companies to maintain stringent performance criteria for trainees and employees. This trend could lead to more frequent rounds of layoffs in the future, especially in large IT firms like Infosys. However, the increasing availability of upskilling programs and professional support services might alleviate some of the challenges faced by those let go, offering them a chance to adapt and reenter the workforce.
References:
Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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