Context & Overview
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) recently delayed onboarding for approximately 600–650 experienced lateral hires, citing shifts in business requirements and delayed project kick‑offs. Those affected, many of whom resigned from prior roles, now face significant uncertainty and financial strain 0.
Who is Affected?
The delay impacts mid-career professionals across major IT hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi. Individuals with varying backgrounds—software engineers, analysts, and project managers—were set to join TCS between July and September. Instead, they received notice of an “indefinite delay” without a clear timeline 1.
Organized Response by NITES
The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has petitioned the Indian Ministry of Labour and Employment, demanding immediate onboarding or compensation for affected candidates. They allege hardship resulting from this indefinite delay and urge the government to intervene 2.
TCS Statement & Rationale
TCS maintains it “remains committed to honouring all job offers,” but emphasises that onboarding dates are now aligned to evolving business requirements. They cite project delays and shifting priorities as the cause, and noted that background verifications are ongoing in some cases 3.
Industry-Wide Hiring Volatility
This situation reflects broader instability in IT sector hiring. Similar disruptions occurred in the post-pandemic hiring surge and global slowdown triggered by events like the Russia‑Ukraine conflict. In June, to manage workforce utilization, TCS tightened its bench policy—projectless employees must find assignments within 35 days or face termination 4.
Key Facts & Figures
- Lateral hires delayed: ~600–650 professionals.
- Geographies affected: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi.
- Joining window originally planned: July to September 2025.
- NITES: Filed grievance and requested government intervention.
- TCS headcount policy: 35-day bench rule enacted in June 2025.
Implications for Job Seekers
• **Career uncertainty**: Candidates performing exit routines at previous jobs now awaiting clarity.
• **Financial strain**: No income during indefinite waiting period.
• **Industry implications**: Signals cautious hiring practices and heightened workforce management in IT sector.
Trivia & Quiz Nuggets
- How many lateral hires were affected by TCS’s delay? About 600–650.
- Which organization protested this delay? Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES).
- On what grounds did TCS justify the postponements? Project delays and changing business needs.
- What policy did TCS enforce in June 2025 regarding benches? 35-day deadline to find new projects or risk termination.
Source: India