Infosys, an Indian IT services company, has postponed a key internal assessment originally scheduled for 18 February, at its Mysore campus. The delay follows strong backlash after the company terminated hundreds of trainees, sparking criticism from employee unions and prompting government intervention.
The assessment was set to involve around 800 employees, with results expected by Wednesday, 19 February 2025, and potential terminations by 21 February. Following pressure from the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) and other unions, Infosys has rescheduled the assessment for 24 February, 2025. A formal announcement was made to trainees via email, which has since been circulated online.
This postponement offers temporary relief to the affected trainees, giving them more time to prepare amidst the prevailing insecurity and uncertainty.
Earlier this year, Infosys reportedly terminated over 400 trainees at its Mysore training centre. The company stated that the dismissals were due to trainees failing to clear internal assessments despite being given three attempts. Infosys emphasised that its evaluation system, in place for more than two decades, is designed to maintain high talent standards for its clients.
However, NITES disputed the company’s explanation. The union claimed the number of terminated employees was higher than reported and labelled the dismissals as “illegal, unethical, and in violation of labour laws.” These freshers were inducted in October 2024 but were suddenly asked to leave and given letters of ‘mutual separation’. These trainees had already waited patiently for two years to be formally onboarded despite having received offer letters.
What was most disappointing was that Infosys had made an internal assessment the basis for the layoff.
In response to the layoffs, NITES filed a complaint with the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment. The ministry instructed the Karnataka State Labour Department to investigate the matter and take swift action to protect the affected employees.
The union has also demanded that Infosys adhere to ethical hiring and termination practices and comply with existing labour laws to protect employee rights.
Infosys has yet to issue a public statement on the assessment delay or respond to the specific allegations raised by NITES and the terminated employees. The silence has left many employees anxious about their future and the company’s take on fair treatment.
