TCS’s 35-Day Bench Rule: Job Jitters and Uncertainty Rock India’s IT Workforce

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5 Key Takeaways

• TCS has implemented a new bench policy limiting employees to 35 days without a project per year, after which they risk career stagnation or termination.
• Many employees are anxious and voicing concerns online, citing pressure to join unsuitable projects and threats of termination.
• An employee welfare body has called the policy 'inhumane' and urged government intervention, alleging coercion and psychological distress.
• Some support the policy, arguing it targets underperformers who remain on the bench for extended periods without contributing.
• The stricter policy reflects industry-wide trends as IT companies face margin pressures, AI-driven changes, and a need for employees to reskill for evolving client demands.

TCS Employees Anxious as New Bench Policy Shakes Up Job Security
If you work in the Indian IT sector, you’ve probably heard the buzz around Tata Consultancy Services’ (TCS) new “bench” policy. For those outside the industry, here’s what’s happening—and why thousands of TCS employees are feeling nervous right now.
What is the “bench” in IT companies?

In big IT firms like TCS, employees who aren’t currently assigned to a client project are said to be “on the bench.” This is usually a temporary phase, giving people time to find their next assignment. But with the IT market slowing down and new technologies like AI changing the game, companies are rethinking how long employees can stay unassigned.
TCS’s New Rule: 35 Days on the Bench

On June 12, TCS introduced a strict new rule: employees can only be on the bench for 35 days in a year. If they don’t get placed on a project within that time, they risk career stagnation—or even losing their jobs. As the first 35-day cycle wraps up, many employees are worried about what comes next.
Why are people upset?

Social media and forums like Reddit are full of anxious posts from TCS staff. Some say they’re being pressured to join projects that don’t match their skills, while others can’t find suitable roles in their home cities. Freshers (new hires) are especially stressed, with some being pushed into jobs unrelated to their training.
An employee group, NITES, has even written to the government, calling the policy “inhumane” and “exploitative.” They claim TCS is threatening to fire employees or withhold experience letters if they don’t find a project in time.
Why is TCS doing this?

TCS says the policy is about making sure employees take charge of their careers and stay productive. The company invests a lot in training, and wants to see people put those skills to use. With the IT industry facing slow growth and AI automating many tasks, TCS—and other companies—are under pressure to cut costs and keep only the most relevant talent.
Some employees actually support the move, saying it will weed out people who have been on the bench for years without contributing.
What’s next for IT workers?

Experts believe stricter bench policies could become the norm across the industry, especially as companies look for employees with up-to-date skills in areas like AI and cybersecurity. Promotions and raises may soon depend more on skills than on years of service.
For now, TCS employees—and many in the wider IT sector—are watching closely to see how this new policy plays out, and what it means for their future job security.

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