
In a recent development, Infosys has reportedly terminated the employment of over 240 trainees for failing to pass the company’s internal assessment tests, according to a report by The Times of India. This move follows a similar action taken last month when 40 trainees were let go for the same reason. The terminations also come on the heels of an earlier round in which approximately 350 trainees were dismissed from Infosys’ Mysuru campus in Karnataka, following extended delays in their onboarding process.
The termination emails, reportedly sent out on April 18, stated that the affected trainees did not meet the qualifying criteria in the company’s “Generic Foundation Training Program.” Despite additional preparation time, doubt-clearing sessions, multiple mock assessments, and three attempts, these trainees failed to clear the tests. The email, which was shared with The Times of India, read: “As a result, you will not be able to continue your journey for the apprenticeship program.”
Upskilling Initiatives for Affected Trainees
In response to the terminations, Infosys is offering free upskilling courses to the affected trainees through partnerships with education providers NIIT and UpGrad. These courses are designed to help the trainees develop skills for potential roles in the Business Process Management (BPM) industry or to enhance their existing IT skills.
The company has also ensured that the terminated trainees will receive a range of benefits, including one month’s salary as an “ex-gratia,” a relieving letter, travel assistance to their hometown or Bangalore, accommodation until their departure, and counseling support. These services will be provided once the affected individuals sign the “separation and general release agreement.”
Infosys Financial Performance
Despite the round of layoffs, Infosys continues to report solid financial performance. For the March quarter, the company posted a consolidated net profit of ₹7,033 crore, marking an 11.7% decline from the same period last year when it reported ₹7,969 crore. However, revenues for the quarter increased by 7.9%, reaching ₹40,925 crore, up from ₹37,923 crore in the previous year.
For the full financial year, Infosys saw a 1.8% increase in profits, which reached ₹26,713 crore. Revenues climbed by 6.06%, totaling ₹1,62,990 crore. Despite the slight dip in quarterly profits, Infosys has described its performance as “robust.” CEO Salil Parekh expressed confidence in the company’s position, stating that Infosys is well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of its clients in the coming period.
Context and Challenges
The firing of trainees amid Infosys’ strong financial results brings attention to the challenges faced by the IT sector as it navigates talent management and skill development. While the company provides opportunities for upskilling, the high expectations for performance in its training programs have led to significant numbers of trainees being let go.
This situation highlights the competitive nature of the IT industry and the emphasis placed on employees meeting high standards in both training and assessment, even for those starting their careers at leading firms like Infosys.
Sources By Agencies