Kashish Mittal is a multifaceted personality — an IIT Delhi alumnus, former IAS officer, and a celebrated Hindustani classical vocalist from the Agra Gharana. His journey reflects a rare blend of excellence in academics, administration, and the arts. Here's a deep dive into his life, career, recent news, and interesting tidbits.
1. Early Life & Academic Brilliance
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Born in Jalandhar (1989) to Jagdish Kumar (IPS officer) and Sangeeta Mittal, Kashish was introduced to Hindustani classical music at the tender age of 8 under Prof. Harvinder Singh (Kashish Mittal).
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A gifted student, he cleared the INR 4 million JEE (AIR‑4 in 2006) and joined IIT Delhi (CSE, 2006–2010) (Kashish Mittal). He also topped Indian National Olympiads in Physics, Chemistry, and Math during school years (Kashish Mittal).
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Internships at UC San Diego (2008) and Microsoft India boosted both his technical prowess and global exposure (Clay).
2. IRS & administration: The IAS Chapter
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Cleared UPSC in one go (AIR‑58, 2010) based on IIT‑sharpened analytical skills (Kashish Mittal).
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Joined IAS (2011 batch, AGMUT Cadre) and served:
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Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh
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Deputy Commissioner, Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh)
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Officer in Ministry of External Affairs
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Additional Principal Secretary to the Vice‑Chairman, NITI Aayog – Rajiv Kumar (Indian Masterminds).
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His central deputation showcased versatility—from district administration to high-level policymaking.
3. Musical Journey and Accolades
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Parallel to academics, Kashish continued rigorous classical training, later under Pt. Yashpaul of the Agra Gharana (ThePrint, Kashish Mittal).
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First solo performance at age 11 at Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan (Kashish Mittal).
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Holds ‘A‑Grade’ artiste status with All India Radio and Doordarshan, and is recognized as an ‘Established artiste’ by ICCR (Indian Masterminds).
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Awarded:
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Punjab State Award for Art & Culture (2007)
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Naad Shri Samman (2018)
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Multiple academic/music scholarships (Indian Masterminds).
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Performs at prestigious events: Tansen Samaroh, Jashn‑e‑Rekhta, Harivallabh Sammelan, Taj Mahotsav, SPIC MACAY, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and more (Kashish Mittal).
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Recently active in the US music scene — participated in a Hindustani jam session in San Francisco alongside other artists .
4. The IAS Resignation & Controversy
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Resigned in September 2019 following disagreement over a transfer to Arunachal Pradesh. He wanted to stay at NITI Aayog and viewed the transfer as "unfair" (ThePrint).
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His petition challenging a previous transfer request (2016) was dismissed amid criticism from MHA over alleged "vested interests" in Chandigarh—but he later withdrew (ThePrint).
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Amidst a wave of resignations from younger IAS officers during that period, Kashish’s was notable for its reasoning rooted both in professional concerns and the desire to pursue music (IndianMandarins).
5. Post‑IAS Career & Ongoing Ventures
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After IAS, Kashish transitioned to tech for social impact:
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Principal Research Program Manager at Microsoft Research India since 2020 (Clay).
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Co‑founded Sakshm AI in 2024, focused on AI-driven public goods (ContactOut).
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Member at South Park Commons since March 2025 (ContactOut).
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Continues active performance schedule: classical, semi-classical, Sufi (@Meerut performance: “Chhap Tilak Sab Cheeni”) (Facebook).
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Instagram (23K+ followers) and X show vibrant presence; latest release “YaadPiyaKiAaye” adds contemporary flavor (Instagram).
6. Recent News & Updates
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Eco Warrior Awards (2024): Acknowledged for environmental and digital public good contributions (Indian Masterminds).
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Master’s Program (2024–present): Pursuing M.Com from a reputed business school—balancing tech, music, and scholarship (Clay).
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Music collaboration in SF jam reflects his growing global artistic footprint .
7. Controversies & Clarifications
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There’s no record of any scandal—his resignation was professional, not personal.
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The 2019 transfer dispute sparked administrative debate, but no wrongdoing by Kashish (ThePrint, IndianMandarins).
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His balance of tech, administration, and music has been widely admired—not criticized.
๐งฉ Top Interesting Facts
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Cleared IIT-JEE with AIR 4 in 2006.
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Completed three National Olympiads (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) in school.
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Became an ‘A‑Grade artiste’ with AIR & Doordarshan—rare for someone juggling tech/admin.
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Represented Agra Gharana, one of the oldest Hindustani vocal traditions.
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Quit IAS at age 30 (2019) to pursue music full-time—a bold career pivot.
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Works at Microsoft Research—continues public good work through AI.
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Co-founded Sakshm AI, aiming to create digital tools for societal impact.
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String of eco & governance awards, from Punjab State to World Bank recognition.
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Performs semi-classical and Sufi music in addition to Khayal.
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International recognition—recent musical contributions in San Francisco jams.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Why did Kashish quit IAS?
He stepped down in 2019 after a feared "unfair" transfer to Arunachal Pradesh, preferring to remain in New Delhi and focus more on his passion—music (Clay, Kashish Mittal, IndianMandarins, Indian Masterminds, ThePrint).
Q2: What style of music does he perform?
He specializes in Agra Gharana Khayal vocals and also performs semi-classical and Sufi genres like taranas and Chhap Tilak Sab Cheeni (Facebook).
Q3: What are his major awards?
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A‑Grade artiste (AIR & Doordarshan)
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Established artiste (ICCR)
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Punjab State Award for Art & Culture
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Naad Shri Samman
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National academic/music scholarships (Kashish Mittal, Indian Masterminds).
Q4: What is he doing currently?
He works at Microsoft Research, co-founded Sakshm AI, is part of South Park Commons, and continues music performances globally (ContactOut).
Q5: Where can I listen to his music?
Check out his Instagram, YouTube, and streaming platforms. His single “YaadPiyaKiAaye” is trending, and the SF music jam is available via collaborators (Instagram).
Q6: Is he involved in activism?
His work centers around AI-driven public-good technologies. He’s been honored with environmental and governance awards, but there’s no record of political activism.
✍️ Conclusion
Kashish Mittal’s story is a compelling testament to versatility. From acing IIT and UPSC to administering policy and reviving the classical arts, he embodies interdisciplinary excellence. His bold pivot from public administration to tech and music inspires many—showing that with passion and skill, one can weave a truly unique life tapestry.
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