Infosys Fires 240 Freshers: The Strict Assessment Criteria That Cost Jobs – Is Your Job Safe?

Infosys layoffs 2025: 240 trainees terminated after failing internal assessments. What led to this drastic move? Explore the assessment criteria, company policies, and impact on IT hiring trends. Get insights on how to avoid termination and secure your position. Read the full report on Infosys’ latest workforce decision now!

Shaking India’s IT sector, Infosys, one of the country’s leading IT services giants, has terminated 240 trainees for failing to clear its internal assessment tests. This news, reported by credible sources like The Times of India and Moneycontrol, follows a similar round of layoffs in February 2025, when over 300 trainees were let go for the same reason. The layoffs have sparked debates about the rigor of Infosys’ training programs, the preparedness of fresh graduates, and the broader challenges facing the Indian IT industry in 2025. This blog post dives into the details of the layoffs, their implications, and actionable insights for aspiring IT professionals.

Background: Infosys’ Training and Assessment Process

Infosys is renowned for its rigorous training programs, particularly at its Global Education Centre in Mysuru, one of the largest corporate training facilities in the world. The company hires thousands of fresh graduates annually, many of whom undergo a comprehensive training program lasting 3–6 months. This program includes technical training, soft skills development, and project-based assessments designed to prepare trainees for client-facing roles.

The internal assessment tests are a critical component of this process. Trainees are given three attempts to clear these tests, which evaluate their technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and ability to apply concepts in real-world scenarios. Failure to pass after three attempts results in termination, as outlined in Infosys’ training policy. According to a company statement, “All freshmen get three attempts to clear the assessment, failing which they will not be able to continue with the organization”.

In April 2025, Infosys enforced this policy by terminating 240 trainees who failed to meet the required standards. This follows the dismissal of approximately 700 trainees in February 2025, bringing the total number of layoffs in 2025 to nearly 1,000. These figures highlight the high stakes of Infosys’ training program and raise questions about the gap between academic education and industry expectations.

Why Were 240 Trainees Fired?

The primary reason for the layoffs is the trainees’ inability to clear the internal assessment tests. These tests cover a range of topics, including programming languages (e.g., Java, Python), database management, cloud computing, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The assessments are designed to ensure that trainees are equipped to handle the demands of Infosys’ global clients, which include Fortune 500 companies.

Several factors may have contributed to the trainees’ failure:

1. Lack of Practical Skills: Many fresh graduates entering Infosys’ training program come from academic backgrounds that emphasize theoretical knowledge over practical application. The assessments require hands-on coding and problem-solving skills, which some trainees may lack.
2. High Difficulty Level: Infosys’ tests are known for their rigor. The company has raised its standards in recent years to align with the demands of digital transformation projects, which require expertise in advanced technologies.
3. Pressure and Time Constraints: The training program is intensive, with trainees expected to learn and apply complex concepts in a short period. The pressure to perform within three attempts can be overwhelming for some.
4. Quality of Pre-Training Programs: Many trainees undergo pre-training through third-party providers like NIIT and UpGrad. If these programs are not aligned with Infosys’ expectations, trainees may struggle to meet the required standards.

Despite the terminations, Infosys has taken a supportive stance by offering free upskilling programs to the affected trainees. According to posts on X, the company is providing access to online courses to help them improve their skills and enhance their employability. This move reflects Infosys’ commitment to balancing its high standards with a degree of social responsibility.

The Bigger Picture: Challenges in the Indian IT Sector

The Infosys layoffs 2025 are not an isolated incident but part of broader trends in the Indian IT sector. The industry, which employs over 5 million professionals and contributes 8% to India’s GDP, is undergoing a transformation driven by automation, AI, and changing client demands. Here are some key challenges that contextualize the layoffs:

1. Skill Gap Among Fresh Graduates

A 2023 NASSCOM report highlighted that only 27% of engineering graduates in India are employable in the IT sector without additional training. The rapid adoption of technologies like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity has widened the gap between academic curricula and industry requirements. Companies like Infosys are forced to invest heavily in training to bridge this gap, but not all trainees can meet the expectations.

2. Increased Automation and Efficiency

The Indian IT sector is shifting toward automation and low-code/no-code platforms, reducing the demand for entry-level coders. Infosys, like its peers TCS and Wipro, is focusing on hiring professionals with specialized skills in areas like data science, AI, and DevOps. This shift has made it harder for freshers without advanced skills to secure permanent roles.

3. Global Economic Pressures

The global IT services market is facing headwinds due to economic uncertainties, including inflation and geopolitical tensions. Clients are tightening budgets and prioritizing cost-effective solutions, which puts pressure on companies like Infosys to optimize their workforce. Terminating underperforming trainees is one way to maintain efficiency and profitability.

4. Competitive Job Market

The Indian IT job market is highly competitive, with millions of graduates vying for limited roles. Companies like Infosys receive thousands of applications annually, allowing them to enforce strict standards. The layoffs underscore the need for candidates to differentiate themselves through certifications, internships, and hands-on projects.

Implications of the Layoffs

The termination of 240 trainees has far-reaching implications for various stakeholders:

For Trainees and Aspiring IT Professionals

The layoffs serve as a wake-up call for fresh graduates. To succeed in the IT industry, candidates must prioritize upskilling in high-demand areas like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Certifications from platforms like Coursera, edX, or AWS can enhance employability. Additionally, participating in hackathons, open-source projects, and internships can provide practical experience that aligns with industry standards.

For Educational Institutions

The high failure rate in Infosys’ assessments highlights the need for educational institutions to revamp their curricula. Universities and colleges must collaborate with industry leaders to incorporate practical training in emerging technologies. Initiatives like Infosys’ Springboard platform, which offers free digital learning resources, can serve as a model for bridging the skill gap.

For the IT Industry

The layoffs reinforce the industry’s shift toward a skills-based hiring model. Companies are increasingly prioritizing quality over quantity, investing in employees who can deliver value in complex projects. This trend may lead to more rigorous hiring and training processes across the sector.

For Infosys

While the layoffs help Infosys maintain its high standards, they also pose reputational risks. The company must balance its rigorous assessment process with efforts to support trainees, such as through upskilling programs. Transparent communication about its expectations and training process can help mitigate negative perceptions.

How to Prepare for Infosys’ Training Program

For aspiring IT professionals eyeing a career at Infosys or similar companies, preparation is key. Here are actionable tips to succeed in internal assessment tests and avoid the fate of the 240 trainees:

1. Master Core Technical Skills: Focus on programming languages like Java, Python, and C++, as well as database management (SQL) and web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript). Practice coding on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or CodeChef.
2. Learn Emerging Technologies: Familiarize yourself with AI, ML, cloud computing (AWS, Azure), and cybersecurity. Online courses from Udemy, Coursera, or Infosys Springboard can help you build these skills.
3. Develop Problem-Solving Abilities: Infosys’ assessments often include logical reasoning and algorithmic challenges. Practice solving problems under time constraints to simulate the test environment.
4. Leverage Pre-Training Programs: If enrolled in a pre-training program through NIIT, UpGrad, or similar providers, take it seriously. These programs are designed to align with Infosys’ expectations.
5. Improve Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, and time management are critical for client-facing roles. Participate in group projects or workshops to hone these skills.
6. Seek Mentorship: Connect with current or former Infosys employees through LinkedIn or professional networks. Their insights can help you understand the training process and assessment criteria.
7. Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Follow blogs, podcasts, and news outlets like The Economic Times or NASSCOM to stay informed about the Indian IT sector. Understanding industry demands can guide your learning path.

The Role of Upskilling Programs

Infosys’ decision to offer free upskilling programs to terminated trainees is a step in the right direction. These programs, likely delivered through platforms like Infosys Springboard, provide access to courses in programming, data analytics, AI, and more. By equipping trainees with in-demand skills, Infosys is helping them remain competitive in the job market.

Upskilling is critical in today’s IT landscape. According to a 2024 World Economic Forum report, 50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025 due to technological advancements. Platforms like NIIT, UpGrad, and Simplilearn are playing a pivotal role in this ecosystem by offering industry-aligned courses. Aspiring professionals should take advantage of these resources to stay ahead of the curve.

Navigating the Future of IT Careers

The Infosys layoffs 2025, involving the termination of 240 trainees for failing internal assessment tests, underscore the challenges and opportunities in the Indian IT sector. While the layoffs highlight the rigor of Infosys’ training program and the skill gap among fresh graduates, they also emphasize the importance of upskilling and adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry.

For aspiring IT professionals, the key takeaway is clear: invest in continuous learning, prioritize practical skills, and stay aligned with industry trends. For educational institutions and the IT industry, the layoffs are a call to bridge the gap between academia and employability through collaborative efforts.

As the Indian IT sector continues to grow, driven by digital transformation and global demand, professionals who embrace upskilling and innovation will thrive. Infosys’ offer of free upskilling programs is a beacon of hope, signaling that even setbacks can be stepping stones to success.