IAS Divya Mittal: Why UP cadre IAS officer quit civil services after 13 years
IIT-IIM Graduate and Former District Magistrate Steps Down from IAS; Her Next Move Remains Under Watch
Raipur, August 31, 2026: Uttar Pradesh cadre 2013-batch IAS officer Divya Mittal has resigned from the Indian Administrative Service after around 13 years of service. The development has drawn attention in administrative circles, given her distinguished academic background and widely recognised field-level work during her tenure.
Divya Mittal shared the news of her resignation through a social media post, looking back at her journey in the civil services and expressing gratitude for the experiences she gained during her years in administration.
While announcing her decision, she indicated that the end of a government position does not mean the end of one’s aspirations. However, she has not publicly disclosed any specific personal or administrative reason behind her resignation.
From IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore to the IAS
Divya Mittal’s journey to the civil services has been particularly noteworthy. She studied engineering at IIT Delhi and later pursued an MBA from IIM Bangalore.
After completing her studies, she worked in London. Despite having a promising career abroad, she eventually returned to India and chose the civil services, driven by a desire to contribute to society through public administration. Her career subsequently took her to several important administrative assignments in Uttar Pradesh.
Work in Mirzapur Earned Her Wider Recognition
Divya Mittal gained considerable recognition for her work at the grassroots level, particularly during her tenure in Mirzapur.
One of the initiatives associated with her tenure involved bringing piped drinking water to Lahuriyadah village, a remote settlement where residents had struggled with access to basic drinking water facilities.
The project helped provide piped water connections to households and became an example of how focused district-level administration could address long-standing public problems.
Served as District Magistrate in Several Districts
During her administrative career, Divya Mittal served as District Magistrate in districts including Sant Kabir Nagar, Mirzapur and Deoria.
She also held various responsibilities in the Uttar Pradesh government, handling administrative assignments across different departments. Her working style, field visits and direct engagement with people frequently attracted public attention during her postings.
From Deoria DM to Senior Government Assignment
Divya Mittal served as the District Magistrate of Deoria from July 2024 to May 2026. She was subsequently posted as Special Secretary in the Revenue Department of the Uttar Pradesh government. Over the years, her career reflected a combination of field administration, policy implementation and public-oriented initiatives.
Why Did Divya Mittal Resign?
The exact reason behind her resignation remains unclear. Although Divya Mittal has announced her decision to leave the IAS, she has not publicly cited a specific reason for the move. Her message focused more on her experiences in public service and the belief that leaving a government position does not mean giving up on one’s aspirations. Her resignation has consequently triggered considerable discussion over what she plans to do next.
A 13-Year Administrative Journey Comes to an End
Divya Mittal’s career stands out for the unusual path she took — from IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore to a corporate career in London, and eventually the Indian Administrative Service.
After nearly 13 years in public administration, the 2013-batch IAS officer has now chosen to step away from government service.
While her IAS chapter has come to an end, her next chapter is yet to unfold. The big question now is what direction Divya Mittal will take after leaving the civil services and where she will channel her experience in administration, leadership and public service.
