Infosys dismisses 195 trainees over performance gap, but extends reskilling, outplacement support

Infosys has decided to let go of 195 trainees after they failed to meet the qualifying criteria in internal assessments, as per an official email seen by Fortune India.

This is the latest round of such departures since February, bringing the total number of trainees impacted to nearly 600. On April 18, 240 were terminated, while March saw the exit of around 30 to 35 trainees. In February, the country’s second-largest information technology firm axed 300 trainees.

As per sources Fortune India spoke to, Infosys communicated the decision on April 29, noting that despite extended preparation time, mock assessments, and support sessions, the trainees had not cleared the Generic Foundation Training Program. As a result, they will not continue in the apprenticeship pathway at the company.

“Further to the announcement of the results of your final assessment attempt, please be informed that, you have not met the qualifying criteria in the ‘Generic foundation training program’ despite the additional preparation time, doubt-clearing sessions, several mock assessments and three attempts,” Infosys said in the email sent to the affected trainees.

Although the outcome has been a setback for those affected, Infosys did outline a series of extensive post-exit support measures.

As per the email, trainees are being offered a choice between two company-sponsored external training programmes: a 12-week course for potential roles in Business Process Management (BPM), and a 24-week course in Information Technology fundamentals. These programmes are offered in partnership with UpGrad and NIIT, respectively.

As per sources, out of all those affected, 250 trainees have availed of these upskilling courses, across both UpGrad and NIIT. Furthermore, 150 more have registered for outplacement.

Infosys is also providing a one-month ex-gratia payment, a relieving letter, and access to outplacement services. Additional logistical and emotional support—including accommodation at the company’s Mysuru facility, transport assistance, and counselling services—is also being extended to those affected.

Many of the trainees were onboarded after a delay of over two and a half years and had joined the Mysuru campus for their initial training. Infosys’ decision reflects its continued adherence to internal assessment policies, even amid a broader slowdown in demand across the IT sector.

Infosys has maintained that these separations do not constitute layoffs, pointing to the trainees' status as apprentices. In February, the Karnataka Labour Department reviewed the matter and concluded that no labour laws had been violated, noting that the affected individuals were not regular employees.

The exits come at a time when Infosys has forecast a modest revenue growth of 0 to 3% for the current fiscal year—a sign of continued caution in key client markets.

Despite the challenging environment, the company has reiterated its intent to support former trainees through structured reskilling efforts and a pathway to reapply for roles in its BPM division.