“IAS Is Just One Chapter”: Prominent Uttar Pradesh Officer Divya Mittal Steps Down After 13 Years

LUCKNOW – In a move that has drawn significant attention across administrative circles, IAS officer Divya Mittal has officially announced her resignation from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Breaking her silence following the news, the 2013-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre officer emphasized that her departure was a carefully considered personal decision, refuting speculation that it was driven by external pressure or a sudden “trigger.”

Mittal, who has served as the District Magistrate of Deoria, Mirzapur, and Sant Kabir Nagar, is currently posted as a Special Secretary in the Board of Revenue. Speaking to India Today, she framed her resignation not as an end to her career, but as a pivot toward new horizons.

“The IAS job is merely one chapter of my life, not my entire existence,” Mittal stated. “This decision was based on my priorities, interests, and my responsibilities towards my family.”

A Journey Rooted in Service

Mittal’s path to the civil services was anything but conventional. A brilliant student, she is an alumna of IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore. Before entering the government sector, she held a high-flying position at JP Morgan in London. Her husband, Gagandeep Singh Dhillon—also an IIT and IIM graduate—was similarly established in the corporate world with Citi Group.

Despite the prestige and financial security of their lives abroad, the couple felt a persistent void. They eventually returned to India, driven by a desire to “repay their debt to the soil.” Her commitment bore fruit in 2012 when she secured an All India Rank of 68 in the civil services examination on her second attempt.

Lessons from the Field

Reflecting on her tenure in Uttar Pradesh, Mittal described the experience as an “unforgettable journey.” Each posting, she noted, offered profound life lessons that extended far beyond administrative duties.

“Deoria taught me that standing up for what is right is a duty,” she shared. Regarding her time in Mirzapur, she noted that it taught her that “impossible” is merely an opinion. She also spoke fondly of her time spent at the feet of Goddess Vindhyavasini, which she credited for teaching her that true authority is derived from public trust and divine grace, rather than the chair of a District Magistrate.

What Lies Ahead?

As a mother of two daughters, Mittal is now looking toward a future that allows for a different balance of work and life. While she has yet to finalize her next professional move, she indicated an interest in exploring writing, teaching, or social service.

Her departure has invited renewed focus on her family’s trajectory; her husband, Gagandeep Singh Dhillon, also left the government service in 2022, having previously served as Joint Director General in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Currently, Mittal’s resignation remains pending. The formal process requires a recommendation from the Uttar Pradesh government, followed by final approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

As the formalities proceed, the officer remains at peace with her choice. For Divya Mittal, the IAS resignation marks the conclusion of a significant chapter, but it is clear that she views this transition as a fresh opportunity to continue serving in new, meaningful capacities.