BENGALURU: Infosys is under fire after nearly 700 campus hires at its Mysuru campus were abruptly laid off, just months after joining in October 2024. The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has condemned the move, calling it an unethical mass termination. Infosys, however, claims the actual number of layoffs is under 350.

The company defended its decision, stating that freshers undergo intensive foundational training and must pass internal assessments within three attempts, a policy in place for over two decades. Those failing the tests are contractually ineligible to continue.

Adding to the controversy, reports indicate that onboarding for nearly 2,000 graduates was delayed, despite Infosys issuing offer letters for System Engineer (SE) and Digital SE roles, with salaries between ₹3.2 lakh and ₹3.7 lakh per year.

NITES has alleged intimidation tactics, claiming that Infosys brought in security personnel, confiscated mobile phones, and pressured employees into signing “mutual separation” letters. NITES President Harpreet Singh Saluja has slammed the company for its “undignified treatment”, alleging that employees were forced to vacate the premises without severance pay.

The labor rights group is filing a formal complaint with the Labour Ministry, urging government intervention.