India’s largest IT services provider, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), is facing allegations that it is using a so-called “fluidity list” to identify employees for termination. The claims, which originated on Reddit and spread quickly across social media, suggest that staff marked on the list are being asked to resign immediately without severance benefits.
A Reddit post labelled “whistleblower” alleged that an employee at TCS’ Siruseri campus near Chennai was called into a meeting room, told his name was on the fluidity list, and asked to hand over company assets. The post said the individual was then pressured into writing a resignation letter with no notice period.
The claims were amplified on X (formerly Twitter) by podcast host Ravi Handa, who wrote, “Apparently, TCS has a ‘fluidity list’ and people are getting fired based on that,” while highlighting the company’s position as India’s largest private sector employer.
The Reddit account further alleged that managers and human resources staff have internal targets for reducing headcount, and that employees on extended bench time — unassigned to projects for several weeks — are particularly vulnerable. The post also claimed that some job offers were rescinded close to joining dates, with new recruits being turned away even on their first day.
These allegations could not be independently verified. TCS has not publicly commented on the existence of any such list. Financial Express reported that its requests for a company response went unanswered.
TCS’ Stated Position on Restructuring
TCS has in recent weeks announced plans to reduce its global workforce by around 2 per cent, or more than 12,000 employees. Chief Executive Officer K Krithivasan told Moneycontrol that the cuts are being driven by changing client needs and mismatches in skills, rather than automation.
“It’s not an efficiency drive. We just want to ensure associates are able to seek projects and ensure that they remain productive through the year,” Krithivasan said, adding that the objective was to create “positive pressure” for employees to be assigned to client work.
The company has publicly assured that employees impacted by the restructuring would receive severance packages, extended insurance, salary in lieu of notice period, and outplacement support to help transition.
Benching Rules and Employee Concerns
Alongside the announced cuts, reports indicate that TCS has tightened its benching policies. Employees are expected to achieve at least 225 billable days in a year. Those who spend more than 35 days on the bench risk being asked to resign.
Speaking to Moneycontrol, some affected employees said they were told to either submit their resignation or face termination without severance. “They are removing all the people who are on the bench for more than two months,” one worker said.
Employee unions have also raised concerns about delays in onboarding. The All India IT & ITeS Employees’ Union has noted that hundreds of offer letters issued earlier this year remain pending.
Pay Revisions Amid Cuts
Even as it restructures its workforce, TCS has rolled out salary hikes. In September 2025, the company announced increases of between 4.5 and 7 per cent for most employees, with high performers receiving double-digit increments. The hikes were delayed by five months due to what the company described as broader economic conditions.
Krithivasan has acknowledged that client decision-making delays during the April–June quarter of FY25 weighed on the business, leading to scope reductions and slower project starts.