By Kavita Mistry 
In a fresh wave of internal restructuring, Infosys has dismissed 195 more trainees for failing its internal assessment tests. This marks the second such layoff in just ten days, pushing the total number of trainees let go since February to over 800. The move has sparked concern about the pressure placed on new recruits in India’s IT sector.
What Led to the Dismissals?
The dismissed trainees were unable to meet the qualifying criteria for the Generic Foundation Training Program, even after being given three attempts, additional preparation time, doubt-clearing sessions, and multiple mock tests. Infosys clearly communicated this in an email, stating that failure to meet the standards would mean the end of the apprenticeship journey.
Who Are the Affected Trainees?
The affected individuals were hired for entry-level positions such as System Engineers (SE) and Digital Specialist Engineers (DSE). These roles are typically offered to fresh graduates, making this a significant blow to many who were starting their careers in the tech industry.
What Support Is Infosys Offering?
While the dismissals are disappointing, Infosys has taken steps to support the impacted employees. Each trainee will receive one month’s ex-gratia pay, a formal relieving letter, and access to outplacement and counselling services.
The company has also offered two training options:
- A 12-week course focused on roles within the Business Process Management (BPM) industry.
- A 24-week program aimed at building strong IT fundamentals for those looking to continue in technology roles.
Upskilling Through Partnerships
About 250 trainees had earlier been enrolled in learning programs through UpGrad and NIIT, indicating that Infosys is actively investing in reskilling and outplacement. Another 150 have registered for career transition services provided by the company.
Conclusion
This development underscores the high standards and intense competition in the IT training space. While it’s a setback for many trainees, the support offered by Infosys could help them pivot and explore alternative career paths. The incident also highlights the growing importance of continuous upskilling in an evolving tech landscape.