IAS officer Divya Mittal has resigned from the Indian Administrative Service after 13 years, saying the decision was carefully considered and driven by her priorities, interests and family rather than any sudden pressure or trigger.

The 2013-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre officer, who served as District Magistrate of Deoria, Mirzapur and Sant Kabir Nagar, is currently posted as Special Secretary in the Board of Revenue. Her resignation is pending approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs following a recommendation from the Uttar Pradesh government.

‘The IAS is only one chapter of my life’

Speaking about her decision, Mittal said her career in the civil services was an important part of her life but did not define her entire existence.

She said her decision took into account her responsibilities as a mother of two daughters, along with her desire to pursue long-held interests. Writing, teaching and social service are among the possibilities she is considering for the next phase of her life, although she has not yet decided on a specific path.

In her resignation post, Mittal described her 13 years in the IAS as an unforgettable journey and thanked the people and colleagues who shaped her experience.

From IIT Delhi and IIM Bengaluru to the IAS

Mittal’s journey to the civil services followed an international corporate career. After studying at IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore, she moved to London and worked with JP Morgan.

Her husband, former IAS officer Gagandeep Singh Dhillon, also worked in the corporate sector, including at Citi Group. The couple eventually returned to India, feeling that they wanted to contribute to the country.

Mittal cleared the civil services examination in her second attempt in 2012 with an All India Rank of 68 and subsequently joined the IAS.

Lessons from Deoria and Mirzapur

During her administrative career in Uttar Pradesh, Mittal served as District Magistrate in Deoria, Mirzapur and Sant Kabir Nagar.

She has recalled how each posting shaped her outlook beyond administrative responsibilities. Deoria, she said, taught her the importance of standing up for what is right, while her experience in Mirzapur reinforced her belief that the word “impossible” should not be treated as a fact.

She also spoke about her spiritual experiences in Mirzapur and the lessons she drew from her association with Goddess Vindhyavasini.

A new chapter awaits

Mittal’s resignation does not immediately bring her government service to an end, as the formal approval process is still pending.

Her decision has also renewed attention on her husband Dhillon, who resigned as Joint Director General in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 2022. Both are alumni of IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore.

For Mittal, the resignation represents a transition rather than an ending. After more than a decade in public administration, she now hopes to make space for family, personal interests and new ways of contributing to society.