Infosys Fires Trainees: What You Need to Know About the Recent Layoffs

On April 18, 2025, Infosys announced the termination of 240 trainees who failed to pass their internal assessment tests. This follows a similar action in February when the company let go of over 300 trainees. The decision has raised questions about the effectiveness of training programs and the level of support companies offer their trainees.

In an email reviewed by the Times of India, Infosys explained the decision to terminate the apprentices, stating that despite several attempts, additional preparation, and mock assessments, the trainees had not met the required qualifying criteria in the “Generic Foundation Training Program.” This marks a significant step in Infosys’ strategy for employee development and retention.

Infosys’ Support for Affected Trainees

Although the decision to terminate the trainees is final, Infosys has offered several options to assist them in transitioning to new opportunities. The company is providing free upskilling programs through partnerships with NIIT and UpGrad. These programs aim to prepare trainees for potential roles in the Business Process Management (BPM) industry or help them continue improving their IT skills.

Furthermore, Infosys has also planned professional outplacement services to help the affected trainees as they explore job opportunities outside of the company. Trainees are also being offered a chance to participate in an Infosys-sponsored external training program. Successful completion of this program could allow trainees to apply for roles in Infosys BPM Limited. Alternatively, those wishing to continue their IT careers can take part in training programs focused on Information Technology fundamentals.

In addition to the training opportunities, the company is offering the following support to its terminated trainees:

– Ex-gratia: One month’s pay.

– Document: A relieving letter confirming their departure.

– Career support: Professional outplacement services.

Learning and development support: 12-week training program for BPM roles or a 24-week IT fundamentals training program.
Travel and transport: Transport from Mysore to Bangalore and a travel allowance to the trainee’s hometown.
Accommodation: Free accommodation in the Employee Care Centre at Infosys, Mysore, until the trainee’s departure.
Counselling support: Access to counseling services as needed.

This approach reflects

What Undercode Says:

The recent termination of 240 trainees by Infosys reveals some crucial insights into corporate training strategies and the pressure placed on employees to perform at a high level. Although Infosys is offering extensive support in terms of upskilling and career transition, the layoffs still highlight a few key issues that need further examination.

First, there’s the matter of training effectiveness. The fact that more than 500 trainees were let go in a span of just a couple of months speaks to the potential mismatch between the training program and the trainees’ abilities or preparedness. While Infosys is offering ample resources for those who did not succeed in the training program, one might question whether the company could have done more to tailor the program to different learning styles and needs.

The intensity of these internal assessments, coupled with the multiple attempts given to trainees to pass, suggests that the company’s expectations for trainees are incredibly high. While this may be part of their corporate culture, it could also be a reflection of the broader industry trend of demanding peak performance at every level. Such pressure may inadvertently lead to burnout or disillusionment for many who are eager to start their careers.

Additionally, the support package provided by Infosys is comprehensive and highlights the company’s effort to soften the blow for those affected. Offering free upskilling opportunities, career counseling, and even relocation assistance shows that Infosys recognizes the importance of helping these trainees transition to the next phase of their careers. However, the effectiveness of this support remains to be seen. Are these training programs enough to make these individuals competitive in the job market? And how many of these individuals will successfully secure new roles, especially in such a competitive industry?

Furthermore,

In terms of industry trends, Infosys’ actions align with a growing practice in the tech sector of testing the mettle of trainees through rigorous assessments. It’s not uncommon for large IT companies to implement tough training programs with the aim of weeding out underperformers. This is often justified by the high demands of the industry and the expectation that only the best should remain. However, this approach often neglects to address underlying factors such as a mismatch between trainee needs and training methods, or insufficient support during the training process.

Fact Checker Results:

1. Training Program Rigor:

Support Offered: Infosys is offering significant support through upskilling programs, career counseling, and relocation assistance, which could help trainees find new opportunities.
Impact on Employee Retention: While the layoffs are a tough outcome for the affected trainees, Infosys is attempting to mitigate the fallout with comprehensive support, though the true success of these initiatives remains to be seen.