At a time when the Indian IT sector is gripped with the fear of widespread layoffs, Infosys has announced plans to hire 20,000 fresh graduates over the coming months. The move stands in contrast to rival Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which recently revealed plans to cut 2 percent of its global workforce—approximately 12,000 employees.
Infosys, by comparison, has made no announcements regarding any restructuring or layoffs. Instead, it is moving ahead with its expansion plans, underpinned by a strategic push to build AI capabilities across the organisation.
Infosys CEO Salil Parekh said the company’s hiring initiative is directly aligned with its intensified focus on Artificial Intelligence. He emphasised Infosys’s early investments in AI and highlighted that nearly 2.75 lakh employees have already been trained in AI and related technologies.
“AI is reshaping our delivery models and accelerating client outcomes. As part of this transformation, we are bringing in fresh talent with the right aptitude for AI and digital services,” Parekh noted.
Infosys’s hiring plans come amid mounting uncertainty in the IT industry. TCS has confirmed laying off 12,000 employees, citing changing client demands and a need for structural realignment. HCLTech has also hinted at possible job cuts as it seeks greater operational efficiency and future readiness.
While many companies are resorting to what they call “workforce rationalisation,” Infosys appears to be taking a different approach—betting on upskilling and fresh recruitment to meet future demands.
Despite industry-wide disruption, Infosys remains optimistic about AI’s potential to enhance operational efficiency. The company expects AI to improve software development productivity by 5 to 15 percent, and anticipates a 20 percent gain in its core banking platform, Finacle.
Industry body Nasscom has also flagged a shift towards product-based delivery and faster turnaround times as major trends reshaping the IT landscape. However, for now, Infosys’s decision to double down on hiring and training suggests it is betting on growth through capability-building rather than cost-cutting.
