TCS Introduces New Deployment Policy with Stricter Bench Rules

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT company, has introduced a new associate deployment policy that came into effect on 12 June 2025. As per a report by the Times of India, the policy requires employees to be actively working on projects for a minimum of 225 business days in the past 12 months. This move aims to reduce the time employees spend on the bench—when they are not assigned to any project. 

What the 225-Day Rule Means for Employees 

Under the updated policy, TCS expects all associates to be allocated to a project for at least 225 business days in a year. If employees fail to meet this requirement and remain unallocated for more than 35 business days, there could be serious consequences. These include: 

• Reduced compensation 

• Slower career growth 

• Fewer chances for overseas postings 

• Risk to job continuity 

The goal of this change is to improve both individual performance and the company’s overall productivity. 

What Employees Must Do When Unallocated 

If an employee is not assigned to any project, TCS expects them to take initiative. They must: 

• Enroll in upskilling programs such as iEvolve, Fresco Play, VLS, or LinkedIn 

• Actively reach out to their unit or regional resource management group (RMG) for new assignments 

• Stay engaged with the company’s internal job allocation platforms 

TCS stresses that the primary responsibility lies with the employee to find new opportunities within the organisation. 

Work-from-Office is Now Mandatory 

Along with the new deployment policy, TCS has also mandated physical presence in the office. This means that flexible work arrangements or remote working options are no longer allowed. However, short-term flexibility can be requested for personal emergencies, subject to approval from the RMG. 

Read more: What is Infosys’ ₹700 Cash Rewards Scheme to Supercharge Hiring Within the IT Industry? 

Conclusion 

TCS’s new policy signals a firm push towards increased accountability and productivity. By reducing the time employees spend unallocated, the company aims to align individual performance with business goals. Employees now have to be more proactive in skill development and project allocation while adjusting to the return-to-office mandate. 

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