Infosys turns to its own workforce to fuel a talent surge
Infosys is actively encouraging its employees to refer candidates for open roles across its development centers in India, signaling a shift toward increased lateral hiring after a period of uncertainty. The Bengaluru-based technology giant has rolled out a structured referral program that rewards staff when their suggested candidates are selected for roles at various levels. This move comes as Infosys seeks to replenish its talent pool, particularly in engineering, data analytics, and strategic technology areas, amid a competitive Indian IT services market.
How the referral program works
Under the new scheme, employees can earn cash rewards based on the level of the position they help fill. Rewards are tiered as follows: Rs 10,000 for closed openings at job level 3, Rs 25,000 for level 4, Rs 35,000 for level 5, and Rs 50,000 for level 6. The open positions span development centers located in major Indian cities, including Delhi/NCR, Pune, Noida, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram, Mysuru, Chandigarh, and Hubballi.
The roles on offer are diverse, ranging from VOIP experts, data analysts, and data scientists to solution designers, blockchain developers, and Java developers. The company is looking for candidates with strong academic records and degrees such as BE, ME, MCA, or MSc. Notably, candidates who have appeared for Infosys selection processes in the past six months are not eligible, ensuring that fresh applicants are prioritized.
Experience levels and target profiles
Experience requirements vary by position, with some roles suitable for those with two to three years of experience and others demanding 13 to 15 years. The breadth of vacancies underscores Infosys’ need to bolster capabilities across multiple technical domains and leadership levels. The internal communication also notes that senior employees at higher job levels, with at least one year at the company and a performance rating of “met expectations” or higher, can participate in related outreach initiatives such as interview panels for campus hires.
Context in the Indian IT hiring landscape
This recruitment push comes at a time when competitors are adjusting their hiring strategies. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys’ largest rival, reportedly paused its lateral hiring after bringing in about 650 people last month, following a broader wave of layoffs that affected roughly 12,000 employees. The contrasting approaches between Infosys and TCS highlight the broader momentum and caution within India’s software export sector as firms reassess talent needs against macroeconomic headwinds and tariff-related uncertainties.
Industry observers note that some peers, including TCS, have sought to manage headcount carefully while still pursuing project momentum and client expansion. Meanwhile, Infosys’ referral-based approach could help accelerate filling critical skill gaps, reduce time-to-hire, and leverage internal networks to surface qualified candidates faster.
Implications for candidates and the job market
For candidates, the Infosys program offers a potential advantage when a referral from a trusted employee supplements a traditional application. It also reflects a broader trend in tech firms leveraging employee networks to find specialized talent efficiently. For job seekers, staying informed about such referral programs is prudent, particularly if they are connected to professionals within large IT services firms who can advocate on their behalf.
What this means ahead of quarterly results
Infosys’ talent-hunt via employee referrals arrives ahead of the company’s Q2 FY26 results, with peers’ performances also under scrutiny. In the sector, growth in deals momentum and project execution continues to be a barometer of how well firms navigate sector-wide demand shifts and pricing pressures. The next results cycle could provide clearer signals about hiring strategies, client demand, and the potential for further expansion of internal referral programs as a channel for talent acquisition.
As Infosys exposes a more aggressive approach to talent acquisition through internal referrals, the market will watch whether this tactic translates into faster onboarding, improved retention, and a broader skill mix across its India operations.
