Uttar Pradesh-cadre IAS officer Divya Mittal, a 2013-batch officer, has resigned from the Indian Administrative Service after 13 years. Mittal announced her voluntary resignation on August 30, 2026, describing her time in public service as an “unforgettable journey.” She was serving as Special Secretary in the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Department before stepping away from the IAS.
In an emotional post on X, Mittal reflected on her journey from an ordinary background to prestigious institutions and eventually the civil services. She studied engineering at IIT Delhi and management at IIM Bangalore before taking up a finance job in London. However, she said she felt something was incomplete while living away from India and eventually returned to pursue a career in public service.
Divya Mittal's IAS Career
During her 13-year career, Mittal held several important administrative positions in Uttar Pradesh. She served as District Magistrate of Sant Kabir Nagar, Mirzapur and Deoria, gaining recognition for her field-level work and engagement with local communities.
One of the achievements highlighted following her resignation was her work in Lahuriya Dah village in Mirzapur, where residents had depended on tanker supplies for drinking water. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, efforts during her tenure helped bring piped water to the village. Mittal recalled the blessing of an elderly woman from the village as one of the most memorable moments of her career.
She also reflected on other aspects of public service, including helping families secure land rights, supporting differently abled people and ensuring farmers received access to water. Her message emphasised that government files ultimately represent real people whose lives can be affected by administrative decisions.
Why Did Divya Mittal Resign?
Divya Mittal has not publicly stated a specific reason for her resignation. Her farewell message focused largely on gratitude, public service and the lessons she learned during her career. Therefore, claims linking her resignation directly to political pressure or a particular administrative controversy should not be presented as established fact.
Her earlier transfer from Mirzapur and subsequent period on the waiting list have generated discussion on social media, but these developments have not been identified by Mittal herself as the reason for her resignation.
What Next for Divya Mittal?
Reports indicate that Mittal may explore academics and writing after leaving government service, although she has not publicly announced a detailed future plan.
Her resignation brings an end to a career that took her from IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore to grassroots administration across Uttar Pradesh. While she has left the IAS, Mittal said the dreams she developed for the country and its people would continue beyond her official position.
