Uttar Pradesh-cadre IAS officer Divya Mittal has resigned from the Indian Administrative Service after nearly 13 years in government service. The 2013-batch officer announced her decision on Sunday through an emotional social media post, describing her time in the civil services as an “unforgettable journey.”
Mittal was serving as Special Secretary in the Revenue Department of the Uttar Pradesh government when she decided to step down. During her career, she held several important administrative positions and served as District Magistrate in Deoria, Mirzapur and Sant Kabir Nagar. Her work at the district level brought her into direct contact with people and local administration.
In her farewell note, Mittal reflected on her journey from modest beginnings to a career in public service. She studied engineering at IIT Delhi before pursuing an MBA from IIM Bangalore. She later worked with JP Morgan in London but eventually returned to India, saying that despite achieving professional success abroad, she felt something was missing.
Mittal said her education and opportunities had given her a sense of responsibility towards the country. She recalled returning to India with the desire to contribute to the nation and eventually becoming an IAS officer.
Looking back at her administrative career, Mittal highlighted the lessons she learned from working with people. She said that government work is ultimately about individuals and their lives, rather than simply files and official positions. She also reflected on how the trust and affection of ordinary people shaped her understanding of public service.
Her postings in Uttar Pradesh included several challenging assignments. As a district administrator, she dealt with issues involving development and public welfare and was known for maintaining a visible connection with people on the ground.
In another reflection earlier this year, Mittal had spoken about the importance of emotional education and life skills, noting that academic achievements alone do not prepare people for every challenge in life. Her comments had attracted considerable attention online.
While announcing her resignation, Mittal indicated that leaving the IAS does not mean giving up on her larger aspirations. Her message suggested that she sees the end of her official position as the beginning of a new phase rather than the conclusion of her ambitions.
Her resignation has since attracted widespread attention, particularly because of her unusual journey from IIT and IIM to corporate work in London, followed by a 13-year career in the civil services.
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