Divya Mittal, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2013 batch, Uttar Pradesh cadre, is a name synonymous with academic brilliance, determination, and impactful public service. Known for her inspiring journey from being an IIT and IIM graduate to cracking the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) with an All India Rank (AIR) of 68, Divya Mittal has become a role model for aspirants across India. Her career trajectory—from a high-flying job in London to serving as District Magistrate in various Uttar Pradesh districts—reflects her commitment to excellence and her passion for transforming lives through governance. This detailed biography explores her early life, education, UPSC journey, professional achievements, personal life, and the legacy she continues to build.
Early Life and Background
Divya Mittal was born on November 23, 1983, in New Delhi, India, into a middle-class family with roots in Rewari, Haryana. Growing up in the bustling capital city, she was exposed to a competitive academic environment from a young age. While details about her parents are not widely available in the public domain, it is known that her mother’s name is Saroj Mittal. Divya’s upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and a desire to excel, qualities that would later define her remarkable career.
Her early education laid the foundation for her academic success. With a natural aptitude for science and mathematics, Divya set her sights on cracking one of India’s toughest entrance exams—the IIT Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). Her determination and focus paid off, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
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| Divya Mittal, IAS |
Educational Journey: From IIT Delhi to IIM Bangalore
Divya Mittal’s academic credentials are nothing short of impressive. After clearing the IIT JEE, she secured admission to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where she pursued a B.Tech in Engineering Physics from 2001 to 2005. During her time at IIT Delhi, she distinguished herself not only through her academic performance but also by earning a Summer Undergraduate Research Award, a testament to her intellectual curiosity and dedication.
Following her undergraduate studies, Divya aimed higher and set her sights on management education. She cracked the Common Admission Test (CAT), securing a seat at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, one of India’s top business schools. From 2005 to 2007, she pursued a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), equivalent to an MBA. During her time at IIM Bangalore, she showcased her analytical prowess by addressing the Asia-Pacific Association of Derivatives Conference in 2005 on the pricing, applications, and predictive ability of derivatives on economic data.
Years later, in 2019-2020, Divya further enhanced her expertise by completing a Micromasters course in Data, Economics, and Development Policy from MITx on edX, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning even amidst a demanding career.
Early Career: From London to Civil Services
After completing her MBA, Divya Mittal embarked on a lucrative career in the financial sector. In 2007, she joined JP Morgan in London as an associate, where she managed and hedged billion-dollar portfolios of complex derivatives. Her role as an exotic derivatives trader placed her at the heart of global finance, offering a glimpse into a high-stakes, fast-paced world. However, despite the glamour and financial rewards, Divya felt a deeper calling—one that would allow her to contribute directly to society.
Her decision to leave her high-paying job in London was influenced by her husband, Gagandeep Singh Dhillon, an IAS officer of the 2011 batch, Uttar Pradesh cadre. Gagandeep, an engineering graduate himself, had cleared the UPSC CSE in his first attempt in 2010 and initially joined the Indian Trade Services before resigning in 2022. Inspired by his transition into civil services, Divya returned to India with a clear goal: to crack the UPSC exam and serve the nation.
UPSC Journey: A Tale of Persistence and Success
Divya Mittal’s UPSC journey is a remarkable story of perseverance and strategic preparation. She appeared for the Civil Services Examination three times, each attempt bringing her closer to her ultimate goal of becoming an IAS officer.
- First Attempt (2010): With Economics and Management as her optional subjects, Divya cleared the exam in her first attempt, securing an All India Rank of 332. She was allocated to the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in the Income Tax department. However, her ambition was to join the IAS, prompting her to try again.
- Second Attempt (2011): Retaining the same optional subjects, Divya improved her rank significantly, achieving AIR 134. This time, she was selected for the Indian Police Service (IPS) and allotted the Gujarat cadre. While this was a notable achievement, her sights remained set on the IAS.
- Third Attempt (2012): In her third attempt, Divya switched her optional subjects to Economics and Commerce, refining her strategy further. Her hard work culminated in an All India Rank of 68 in the UPSC CSE 2012, securing her a place in the IAS with the Uttar Pradesh cadre in the 2013 batch.
Notably, Divya achieved this feat without formal coaching, relying instead on self-study, discipline, and guidance from her husband. Her success in cracking IIT JEE, CAT, and UPSC—three of India’s toughest exams—makes her a standout figure among civil servants.
Professional Career: A Dynamic IAS Officer
Divya Mittal’s career as an IAS officer has been marked by impactful contributions across various postings in Uttar Pradesh. After completing her training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, she began her journey as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Sidhauli, Sitapur. Her exemplary performance during training earned her prestigious accolades, including the Ashok Bambawale Memorial Award for Outstanding IAS Officer Trainee (2015) and first prizes in innovation conferences for addressing teacher absenteeism and groundwater depletion.
Key Postings and Achievements
- Chief Development Officer and District Magistrate:
- Divya served as Chief Development Officer (CDO) and District Magistrate (DM) in districts such as Sant Kabir Nagar, Mirzapur, and Basti. Her tenure in these roles highlighted her ability to connect with people and address grassroots issues effectively.
- Mirzapur DM (2022-2023):
- As District Magistrate of Mirzapur, Divya gained widespread recognition for her efforts to bring piped water to Lahuria Dah village after 75 years. Her transfer in September 2023 sparked an outpouring of gratitude from villagers, with women showering her with rose petals in a viral farewell video. This incident underscored her popularity and the tangible impact of her work.
- Basti DM:
- Following her stint in Mirzapur, Divya was transferred to Basti, where she continued her focus on development and public welfare.
- Deoria DM (2024-Present):
- Appointed as DM of Deoria in July 2024, Divya hit the ground running, inspecting flood-affected areas and earning praise for her hands-on approach. Her candid admission during a press conference about struggling to remember names and faces endeared her to the public, showcasing her humility.
- CEO, Uttar Pradesh Rural Road Development Agency (UPRRDA):
- As of February 2024, Divya briefly served as CEO of UPRRDA in Lucknow, contributing to rural infrastructure development before her posting in Deoria.
Divya’s approach to governance—combining innovation, accessibility, and a focus on women’s welfare—has made her a beloved figure in the districts she has served.
Personal Life: Family and Motivation
Divya Mittal is married to Gagandeep Singh Dhillon, her pillar of support and inspiration. The couple tied the knot on April 6 and have two daughters, Advika Dhillon and Avyana Dhillon. Both Divya and Gagandeep share a unique bond as IAS officers, balancing their professional commitments with family life. Gagandeep’s decision to pursue civil services motivated Divya to follow suit, and their mutual support has been a cornerstone of their success.
In her leisure time, Divya enjoys traveling and maintains a strict fitness regimen, reflecting her disciplined lifestyle. She is also active on social media platforms like Twitter (
@divyamittal_IAS
) and Instagram, where she shares motivational insights and tips for UPSC aspirants.Tips for UPSC Aspirants
Divya Mittal frequently offers practical advice to aspirants, drawing from her own experience:
- Morning Study Sessions: She emphasizes the power of early morning study, recommending 90-120 minute focused sessions with short breaks.
- Concentration Techniques: Divya advocates the Trataka meditation technique to enhance focus.
- Time Management: She advises monitoring phone usage to minimize distractions.
- Nature and Exercise: Spending time in nature and exercising for at least 20 minutes daily are key to maintaining mental clarity.
Her mantra of focus, determination, and consistency resonates with thousands preparing for competitive exams.
Legacy and Impact
Divya Mittal’s journey—from an IIT-IIM alumna to a dynamic IAS officer—embodies the spirit of resilience and service. Her ability to excel in academics, thrive in the corporate world, and then dedicate herself to public welfare sets her apart as an inspiring figure. Whether it’s reviving water access in remote villages or mentoring the next generation of civil servants, Divya continues to leave an indelible mark on society.
As of, 2025, she remains a beacon of hope and a testament to what hard work and a clear vision can achieve. Her story is not just about personal success but about using that success to uplift others—a true hallmark of an exceptional IAS officer.
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