Infosys Part Ways with 240 Freshers, Offers Alternative Career Path in BPM

Infosys has ended the contracts of 240 trainees who failed to clear its internal 'Generic Foundation Training Programme,' as communicated in emails sent on April 18, 2025. This decision follows multiple reassessment opportunities and extensive support initiatives, marking another challenging moment for fresh recruits already grappling with long onboarding delays and uncertainties in the job market.

In the email, Infosys informed the trainees: “Despite additional preparation time, doubt-clearing sessions, several mock assessments, and three attempts, you have not met the qualifying criteria for the ‘Generic Foundation Training Programme.’ As a result, you will not be able to continue with the apprenticeship program.”

The company added, “As you explore opportunities outside of Infosys, we have arranged professional outplacement services to support your journey. We also offer an alternative career pathway through Infosys-sponsored external training to prepare you for roles in the Business Process Management (BPM) industry.”

The Outcome After Multiple Chances

The trainees, primarily hired as System Engineers and Digital Specialist Engineers, were given three opportunities to pass the internal evaluation, alongside additional preparation time, doubt-clearing sessions, and mock assessments. Despite these efforts, they were unable to meet the required benchmarks.

This is not the first time Infosys has made such decisions. In February 2025, more than 300 trainees from its Mysuru campus were dismissed for similar reasons. This batch, which represented about half of the October 2024 intake, had already faced long delays in onboarding due to slower hiring in response to weak client demand. Some of those trainees even appealed to the Prime Minister’s Office for intervention.

Support Measures and Career Pathways

To ease the impact, Infosys is offering a variety of support measures. These include one month’s salary as ex gratia, a relieving letter, accommodation at Infosys’ Mysuru Employee Care Centre, and transport allowances to Bengaluru or the trainee’s hometown.

Regarding career assistance, trainees have the option to enroll in a 12-week Business Process Management (BPM) training programme or a 24-week course in IT fundamentals. These programs are conducted in partnership with NIIT and UpGrad. Successful completion of either program allows trainees to reapply for jobs within Infosys BPM.

The email further noted, “Upon successful completion of the training, you may apply for available roles in Infosys BPM Limited. Alternatively, if you wish to pursue further IT skills development, you can choose an Infosys-sponsored external training program in Information Technology fundamentals to support your IT career journey.”

Trainees are also offered counselling services to help with emotional or psychological support during this transition.

Balancing Performance with Market Conditions

Infosys' decision highlights the difficult balancing act Indian IT companies face in a cooling market—ensuring high training standards while managing the surplus of hires from previous years. About 730 trainees from the October 2024 batch sat for their final assessments on April 17, with additional results expected next week.

Despite this, Infosys maintains a cautious growth outlook, forecasting flat to marginal revenue growth (0–3%) for the current financial year, reflecting ongoing strain in its core markets. However, Infosys remains committed to freshers, with CFO Jayesh Sanghrajka announcing plans to hire over 20,000 freshers in FY26.

A Clear Message to Future Hires

Infosys’ approach appears firm: performance is paramount, but the door remains open for those willing to improve. As the IT sector adjusts to global economic challenges, the expectations for retention are rising, particularly for newcomers.

The company’s email concluded on a note of measured encouragement, offering trainees the final choice: leave or invest in skills development and try again.