Wednesday, October 12 2005 12:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Software major Infosys hired the highest-ever number of employees, 8026, for any quarter in its history during Q2 ended September 30, 2005.

"The highest number of employees during any quarter was added," Infosys CEO, President and Managing Director Nandan M Nilekani told reporters, announcing Q2 results of the NASDAQ-listed firm at Infosys campus.

"We added the largest number of employees in our history," Nilekani said. The city-headquartered Infosys and its subsidiaries have a total employee strength of 46,196 now.

Infosys Chief Financial Officer and its Board Member TV Mohandas Pai said, "We have maintained margins despite record hiring of employees during the quarter."

Asked about the exit of some senior level executives, Nilekani said for a growing company like Infosys, it is part of the game. While acknowledging their contribution to the company, he said, "Infosys had a strong and dedicated enough people to take the game forward."

Infosys COO S Gopalakrishnan said attrition at senior levels was not impacting the company's business in any way.

On reports about Infosys' plans for Kolkata, Nilekani said the company Chief Mentor Narayana Murthy had met the West Bengal Chief Minster and told him that he would send a team that looks after new locations.

"Murthy said based on other locations, we will see. I don't think any commitment was made," Nilekani said.

Answering a query, Pai said quality of engineering education was 'worrisome' but felt that there would be no shortage of professionals. Infosys had urged the Government to increase the intake in IITs and IIMs, besides being in contact with the faculty of over 100 engineering colleges to upgrade the curriculum needed for the industry.