Infosys Faces Backlash Over Fresher Layoffs: Over 300 Let Go After Internal Tests

Introduction

The recent layoffs at Infosys have highlighted critical aspects of the tech hiring and onboarding process in the Indian IT sector. With over 300 new recruits being let go due to failing internal tests, concerns have been raised about the fairness and transparency of such assessments. Infosys had onboarded these freshers from the 2022 engineering batch after a significant waiting period, offering them annual salaries in the range of ₹3.2-3.7 lakh, only to terminate their employment for not clearing qualifying tests, which raises several questions about the recruitment strategies employed by large IT firms [1](https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/infosys-freshers-laid-off-failing-tests-nites-campus-freshers-hiring-125020700882_1.html).

The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has brought allegations against Infosys, claiming that the criteria for these assessments were altered mid-process, undermining the employees' preparation and expectations. In addition, there have been accusations of coercive tactics, such as restricting communication devices to hinder documentation of the process, creating further controversy around the ethics of such practices [1](https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/infosys-freshers-laid-off-failing-tests-nites-campus-freshers-hiring-125020700882_1.html). Despite the fallout, Infosys continues to defend its assessment methodologies, citing them as essential to maintaining the high quality of talent they promise their clients. The company also remains committed to ambitious hiring targets, planning to bring in thousands of new recruits over the next few years.

This scenario is part of a broader trend within the tech industry, where layoffs have become a recurrent theme due to various economic pressures, including recession fears and post-pandemic adjustments. The Infosys situation underscores the growing tension between balancing quality standards and the ethical treatment of employees. Such events have led to increased scrutiny of corporate practices when it comes to workforce management, prompting organizations to reconsider how they handle internal evaluations and terminations.

Moreover, the adverse public reaction and labor activism from groups like NITES signify a shift towards demanding greater accountability and transparency from employers. The specific case at Infosys has drawn significant public sympathy, with many rallying behind the affected employees and criticizing the company's handling of the situation. As the tech industry undergoes these transformative challenges, the pressure mounts for companies to develop more humane and transparent practices to sustain their workforce and protect their public image [2](https://upstox.com/news/business-news/latest-updates/layoffs-at-infosys-freshers-who-waited-2-years-for-onboarding-now-shown-the-door/article-144766/).

Background of Infosys Layoffs

Infosys recently made headlines due to its decision to lay off over 300 campus-recruited freshers from the 2022 engineering batch, a move that has sparked considerable controversy. These layoffs are attributed to the recruits' failure to pass internal qualifying tests after onboarding. As detailed in a report by Business Standard, these employees had been in limbo for up to two and a half years, anticipating their induction into the company. Despite eventual offers of annual salaries ranging between ₹3.2 to ₹3.7 lakh, the culmination of their wait ended in unexpected termination due to these assessment failures Infosys layoffs.

The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has taken issue with the layoffs, alleging that Infosys modified the test criteria during the process, thereby compromising the fairness of the tests. NITES has expressed concerns about alleged coercive tactics during the layoffs, such as preventing employees from using their phones, and plans to file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour. Despite these challenges and the negative publicity, Infosys has announced ambitious plans to onboard 15,000 freshers this year and an additional 20,000 in the upcoming years, maintaining its stance on the necessity of such tests for quality assurance Infosys onboarding plans.

The context of these layoffs is further complicated by broader trends in the tech industry, where companies are increasingly scrutinizing talent quality amidst a turbulent economic climate. Major tech firms have seen significant job cuts as part of broader cost-cutting measures, influenced by post-pandemic readjustments and economic uncertainties. Given this backdrop, the approach by Infosys reflects a stringent but standard protocol that prioritizes high-quality service and talent—a common industry practice for over two decades. Nevertheless, the public and professional backlash showcases a growing discomfort with such practices and highlights the ongoing tensions between maintaining standards and ethical treatment of employees Tech industry job cuts.

Details of the Qualifying Tests

The recent terminations at Infosys have spotlighted the qualifying tests designed to evaluate the readiness of new recruits post-training. These internal assessments, administered at the Mysuru campus, serve as a gatekeeping mechanism to ensure the highest quality of talent aligns with the company's standards. New recruits are provided with three attempts to pass these tests, creating a structured path to demonstrate their competencies. While Infosys maintains that this approach is a staple practice for over two decades, aimed at honing skills necessary for delivering client satisfaction, the actual content of these tests remains undisclosed. The company's insistence on these evaluations as a quality assurance measure underscores its commitment to maintaining service excellence, even as it faces criticism for their perceived harshness. More information about these tests can be explored [here](https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/infosys-freshers-laid-off-failing-tests-nites-campus-freshers-hiring-125020700882_1.html).

The implementation of qualifying tests is rooted in Infosys' strategy to cultivate a workforce that meets rigorous performance benchmarks. The company's rationale for such tests is grounded in the belief that they filter the training process, ensuring only the most capable recruits progress. This stringent evaluation is presented as a necessary step in delivering high-caliber service to clients, a stance that Infosys argues is transparent and well-communicated in employment contracts from the outset. Despite the controversy, Infosys has defended this practice, indicating that it is integral to safeguarding its position in a fiercely competitive industry. For more details on Infosys' perspective, visit the provided [link](https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/infosys-freshers-laid-off-failing-tests-nites-campus-freshers-hiring-125020700882_1.html).

The scale of the impact resulting from the qualifying tests has not been trivial. Over 300 recruits found themselves facing termination after failing to pass the assessments, a move that has sparked widespread debate. These individuals, primarily from the 2022 batch of engineering graduates, were part of a cohort that had already endured up to a 2.5-year wait for onboarding, raising questions about the efficiency and ethics of such a prolonged process. Beyond those directly affected, there are still 2,000 graduates in limbo, awaiting their turn to join the company. The layoffs resonate with broader industry trends, where failed assessments have become pivotal in strategic workforce management. To understand the context of these layoffs, one might refer to [this article](https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/infosys-freshers-laid-off-failing-tests-nites-campus-freshers-hiring-125020700882_1.html).

Amid these developments, the actions of Infosys have faced significant backlash, particularly with allegations spearheaded by the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES). The group contests that Infosys altered the assessment criteria midway, compromising the fairness of the evaluation process. This controversy is compounded by claims of coercive practices that allegedly barred recruits from using phones, thus preventing documentation during tests. NITES' positioning highlights a growing discontent with corporate processes that are perceived as opaque and manipulative within the tech sector, particularly affecting fresh graduates seeking stable career footholds. For insights into these allegations and the response from NITES, visit [here](https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/infosys-freshers-laid-off-failing-tests-nites-campus-freshers-hiring-125020700882_1.html).

NITES Allegations Against Infosys

The controversy surrounding Infosys's recent actions has drawn considerable attention, particularly following allegations by the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES). According to reports, the IT giant terminated over 300 freshers who were unable to clear internal assessments despite having waited up to two and a half years for onboarding. These employees were reportedly from the 2022 batch of engineering graduates and were offered salaries ranging from ₹3.2 to ₹3.7 lakh annually. NITES, an active labor body advocating for IT employees, alleges that Infosys manipulated test criteria and resorted to coercive tactics such as restricting the use of phones during tests, an accusation which they claim violates worker rights [source].

In response to these allegations, Infosys has maintained its stance that the internal assessments are a standard part of their hiring process, which have been implemented for over two decades to ensure the quality of talent. The company asserts that the terms of these assessments were made clear in the employment contracts signed by the recruits [source]. Despite the layoffs, Infosys remains committed to their hiring targets, planning to onboard 15,000 freshers in the current year and 20,000 in the 2025-26 period.

The unfolding situation has sparked a plethora of reactions across the technology industry, especially in light of the ongoing wave of layoffs affecting the tech sector globally, where over 95,000 tech workers in the United States alone lost their jobs in 2024 [source]. Public sentiment has largely been in support of the affected employees, with a strong backlash against Infosys surfacing across social media platforms. Labor activists, including NITES, have announced plans to file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, arguing that the actions taken by Infosys were harsh and unethical [source].

Looking ahead, these developments may lead to significant changes within India's IT sector. Increased scrutiny by regulatory bodies could lead to rigorous hiring and termination regulations, potentially reshaping the landscape of labor relations in the industry. The impact of these layoffs could also reverberate through the fresher job market, influencing salary expectations and possibly even altering career inclinations among new graduates [source]. This situation underscores the necessity for IT companies to balance employee quality standards with ethical practices, paving the way for more transparent and fair assessment processes in the future.

Implications of the Layoffs on Fresh Graduates

The recent layoffs at Infosys have sent shockwaves through the Indian tech industry, particularly affecting fresh graduates who were just stepping into their careers. The company reportedly terminated over 300 fresh recruits from the 2022 engineering batch after they failed to pass internal qualifying tests. These graduates had already endured a prolonged wait of up to 2.5 years for onboarding, making the layoffs especially disheartening [https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/infosys-freshers-laid-off-failing-tests-nites-campus-freshers-hiring-125020700882_1.html](https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/infosys-freshers-laid-off-failing-tests-nites-campus-freshers-hiring-125020700882_1.html).

The implications for fresh graduates in the IT sector are profound. These terminations underline the volatility and pressure that new entrants face in an ever-competitive job market. The issue is compounded by allegations from the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), claiming that Infosys unfairly altered assessment criteria and engaged in coercive tactics, creating a challenging environment for these young professionals [https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/infosys-freshers-laid-off-failing-tests-nites-campus-freshers-hiring-125020700882_1.html](https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/infosys-freshers-laid-off-failing-tests-nites-campus-freshers-hiring-125020700882_1.html).

For fresh graduates, securing a job in the IT sector often represents a significant life milestone. However, the Infosys scenario reveals a harsh reality: initial job security and career progression are not guaranteed. The pressure to pass stringent assessments, often without adequate support, can hinder their growth and impact their confidence. This situation may lead to an increased hesitance among fresh graduates to pursue opportunities in traditionally attractive fields like IT if fairness and transparency in hiring and evaluation are not addressed [https://www.newsx.com/education-and-jobs/shocking-and-unethical-infosys-sacks-nearly-700-freshers-heres-why/](https://www.newsx.com/education-and-jobs/shocking-and-unethical-infosys-sacks-nearly-700-freshers-heres-why/).

Moreover, the layoffs highlight broader systemic issues within the tech industry, where economic pressures drive companies to prioritize high standards and performance, sometimes at the expense of employee welfare. Fresh graduates, already vulnerable in their career beginnings, may feel disenfranchised by practices perceived as both unfair and exploitative, further exacerbating existing challenges such as stagnating salaries and a surplus of candidates relative to available positions [https://www.reddit.com/r/developersIndia/comments/1e28uxc/what_will_the_job_market_be_like_in_two_years/](https://www.reddit.com/r/developersIndia/comments/1e28uxc/what_will_the_job_market_be_like_in_two_years/).

In response to these issues, fresh graduates may demand greater transparency in the recruitment and assessment processes. A reassessment of corporate practices concerning employee evaluations could be necessary to restore trust and maintain morale among new entrants. The situation at Infosys might prompt both companies and regulatory bodies to reconsider existing practices and ensure fair treatment for all employees, particularly those just beginning their professional journeys [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/infosys-lays-off-700-at-mysuru-campus-bouncers-security-personnel-used-complain-to-labour-ministry/articleshow/118008887.cms](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/infosys-lays-off-700-at-mysuru-campus-bouncers-security-personnel-used-complain-to-labour-ministry/articleshow/118008887.cms).

Industry-wide Impact and Response

The recent decision by Infosys to lay off over 300 freshly onboarded campus recruits for failing internal qualifying tests has sparked significant conversation across the IT industry. Notably, the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has raised concerns about the fairness of these assessments, claiming that Infosys may have altered test criteria unfairly and employed coercive tactics during the separation process. The impacted individuals, primarily from the 2022 engineering batch, were in limbo for up to 2.5 years before onboarding. Despite the layoffs, Infosys plans to onboard 15,000 freshers this year and 20,000 in the coming years, indicating their continued commitment to fresh talent despite current controversies (source).

This event at Infosys mirrors a broader trend seen throughout the tech industry, where companies are frequently engaging in mass layoffs due to various economic pressures. In 2024 alone, more than 95,000 tech workers were laid off in the U.S., with major firms like Amazon and Meta announcing workforce reductions. These actions are often attributed to a post-pandemic market correction, slowed sales, and looming recession fears (source). In India, such trends are compounded by an oversupply of graduates, stagnant salary growth, and increased use of AI in recruitment, raising concerns about the fairness and transparency of hiring processes.

The response from NITES, which plans to file an official complaint with the Labour Ministry, signals a rising wave of labor activism within the tech sector. Such movements are gaining momentum as unions and employee advocacy groups challenge traditional hiring and firing practices, calling for more transparent assessment processes. This wave of activism mirrors growing concerns about corporate accountability and employee treatment within global tech companies (source).

Looking ahead, the fallout from Infosys' decision could influence hiring practices across the Indian IT sector. There's a potential for regulatory authorities to tighten compliance requirements for hiring and firing to protect employee rights, following NITES' complaints. Companies might also need to reassess their evaluation and termination processes to better align with ethical standards and employee expectations, ensuring practices meet both quality control and fairness (source).

Public Reaction to the Layoffs

The recent layoffs at Infosys involving over 300 newly onboarded freshers have sparked a significant public outcry. Many see the actions as unjust, especially considering the affected employees had already endured a lengthy wait of up to 2.5 years for their onboarding process. The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has been vocal in expressing its disapproval of Infosys' decision, labeling the layoffs as coercive and criticizing the modification of the assessment criteria that reportedly disadvantaged the new hires. This incident highlights the discontent among employees and labor rights advocates who see this trend as a disturbing pattern of corporate exploitation within the tech industry, where fresh graduates are treated as expendable resources at the whims of corporate strategies ([source](https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/infosys-freshers-laid-off-failing-tests-nites-campus-freshers-hiring-125020700882_1.html)).

Social media platforms have been inundated with reactions to the layoffs from both insiders within the tech industry and the general public. Many posts on forums and social networks reflect overwhelming support for the terminated employees and critique the manner in which Infosys managed the layoffs. Comments often point out the heavy toll on employees who, after anticipating the start of their careers at such a reputable company, were subject to unexpected dismissals. The narrative of waiting years only to face termination shortly after onboarding has resonated widely, further amplifying public sentiment against the company ([source](https://upstox.com/news/business-news/latest-updates/layoffs-at-infosys-freshers-who-waited-2-years-for-onboarding-now-shown-the-door/article-144766/)).

In the wake of these developments, NITES has announced plans to escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, citing unfair practices and a breach of employee rights. This move is seen as part of a broader wave of rising labor activism within the tech sector that is challenging the hiring and firing practices considered ethically dubious. The simultaneous announcement by Infosys of its intent to hire 15,000 freshers this year has been met with skepticism, as critics question the sincerity of such statements in light of the recent layoffs. The need for substantial reforms in the hiring and assessment processes is increasingly being seen as essential to prevent future controversies and align corporate practices with the expectations of equitable treatment ([source](https://zeenews.india.com/economy/infosys-lays-off-700-trainees-at-mysuru-campus-report-2855198.html)).

Expert Opinions on the Situation

In the aftermath of the recent layoffs at Infosys, various experts have weighed in on the situation, presenting a multifaceted view. Harpreet Saluja, President of the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), insists that the termination of over 300 employees was executed in a manner that contravenes labor laws. Saluja highlights the alleged "coercive tactics" used during the separations and points out the unfairness of changing assessment criteria once the evaluation process had already started. This, according to him, sets a concerning precedent in employment practices within the industry. More details on this can be found in their formal statements and complaints [here](https://cfo.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/strategy-operations/infosys-lays-off-nearly-700-freshers-from-mysuru-campus-claims-it-employees-union/118020879).

In contrast, industry analyst Pareekh Jain views the layoff as reflective of a broader industry norm where tech companies are keenly focused on maintaining high-quality talent amidst competitive pressures. Jain asserts that while the layoffs might appear harsh, they align with the strategic needs of firms like Infosys to sustain service excellence in the global market. More insights from his analysis are available [here](https://www.financialexpress.com/trending/ensures-high-quality-talent-infosys-hits-back-at-mass-layoffs-report-claims-less-than-350-employees-impacted/3741153/).

Adding another layer to the expert rhetoric, HR management expert Dr. Sanjay Muthal advises that organizations should aim to strike a balance between enforcing quality standards and upholding ethical employee treatment. Dr. Muthal emphasizes the importance of transparent communication regarding assessment procedures and recommends establishing robust support structures for fresh graduates entering the workforce. His recommendations provide a forward-looking approach to tackling such HR challenges, and more about his views can be found in his interviews and writings [here](https://www.ndtvprofit.com/business/mass-terminations-at-infosys-nearly-700-freshers-laid-off-at-mysuru-campus).

Future Implications for the IT Sector

The recent layoffs at Infosys are symptomatic of broader trends and potential shifts within the IT sector in India. As companies strive to ensure high-quality talent while maintaining competitive advantage, the methods employed may face increased scrutiny both legally and socially. Infosys’ decision to terminate over 300 fresh recruits for not passing internal qualifying tests, as reported by Business Standard, highlights the delicate balance companies must strike between maintaining rigorous standards and upholding fair employment practices. The allegations of unethical conduct, brought by the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), underscore the amplified role labor unions might play in shaping future policy heft and market ethics in the IT landscape.

Economically, these developments may exert downward pressure on entry-level salaries and intensify competition among fresh graduates within the sector. With Infosys planning to onboard a significant number of freshers in the coming years, including a target of 15,000 for the current year, the company's actions are scrutinized not only as isolated decisions but as signals of larger systemic shifts. The reverberations could prompt the Indian government to introduce stricter hiring and termination regulations, addressing discrepancies noted by entities like NITES in cases of lay-offs and hiring practices.

On an industry-wide level, other major IT players may feel compelled to reassess their hiring and assessment strategies. The scrutiny faced by Infosys might serve as a cautionary benchmark, prompting revisions in processes to foster transparency and mitigate similar occurrences in the future. Additionally, the public backlash and outcry might push for a reevaluation of corporate social responsibility standards in hiring practices.

From a labor relations perspective, increased unionization and activism threat looms large. It might provoke tech companies to engage more proactively with employees to ensure transparency and security, echoing the loud calls for reform triggered by Infosys’ situation. This could lead to growing demands for job security and clearer, standardized assessment criteria that align with employee fairness and corporate accountability.

As young graduates ponder over their career trajectories amid such upheavals, the perception of the IT sector’s stability and reward system might be skewed, potentially altering the future talent pipeline. Companies might consequently need to recalibrate their outlook, emphasizing transparent, ethical employment processes to attract and retain top talent sustainably. In turn, these shifts could reinforce the sector's resilience against future controversies, ensuring a more stable and thriving industry environment.

Conclusion

The recent layoffs at Infosys, particularly the termination of over 300 freshers, underscore the intricate challenges facing India's tech industry today. Despite offering annual salaries in the range of ₹3.2-3.7 lakh, these recruits from the 2022 engineering batch were unable to clear certain internal assessments, leading to their dismissals. This has sparked widespread public outcry and shone a spotlight on corporate practices within major IT firms. Infosys maintains that these assessments, introduced during foundational training at their Mysuru campus, are standard practice and necessary for maintaining quality standards. However, voices from the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) point to allegations of coercion and mid-assessment changes, raising questions about fairness and transparency during the process. [Source](https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/infosys-freshers-laid-off-failing-tests-nites-campus-freshers-hiring-125020700882_1.html).

Infosys’ decision illustrates a broader trend within the tech industry, where companies are increasingly scrutinizing the quality of talent amid challenging economic conditions. This move is also indicative of the hardships faced by fresh graduates entering the workforce, who are already grappling with stagnating salaries and limited job opportunities. As Infosys plans to hire extensively in the coming years, this episode serves as a cautionary tale, prompting both industry leaders and policy makers to rethink the current hiring and assessment frameworks to ensure they are both effective and equitable. Potential regulatory changes could emerge, with labor unions like NITES leading the charge for more transparent evaluation processes and better treatment of new hires. The company's assertion of this practice as a method to maintain high-quality service must be balanced with ethical considerations to sustain public trust and employee morale.

Despite the controversy, Infosys is moving forward with ambitious hiring plans, aiming to onboard 15,000 freshers this year. This decision has been met with skepticism due to the recent layoffs and the challenging global tech landscape, marked by significant reductions in workforce by other major players like Amazon and Meta. As the tech sector navigates these tumultuous times, the emphasis on fair and transparent hiring practices becomes crucial. Infosys's handling of the layoffs and their strategic response will have considerable implications not only on its reputation but also on broader industry practices. Consequently, it is imperative for companies to adopt more humane and transparent assessment criteria to avoid similar public backlash and to foster a more reliable talent pipeline.

Looking ahead, Infosys and similar corporations face a dual challenge: the need to uphold rigorous talent standards while ensuring fair and humane treatment of employees. As the economic pressures exert downward influence on entry-level salaries, and as more fresh graduates vie for fewer positions, transparent and adaptive corporate policies will be essential. This episode might influence a shift in the IT sector's approach to hiring—the potential for enhanced union activities and widespread demand for clearer assessment processes signifies a potential shift in labor relations dynamics. Companies might find it necessary to rethink and possibly restructure their assessment criteria to not only meet industry standards but also to maintain ethical practices and secure employee trust.