Former Uttar Pradesh-cadre IAS officer Divya Mittal has entered politics after a 13-year career in the civil services. The 2013-batch officer announced her decision on September 29, saying she would begin her political journey in Uttar Pradesh. She also made clear that she would not join any political party at this stage.
Mittal said she wants to become a voice for people whose concerns often do not reach government offices. She highlighted issues including public grievances, rural infrastructure, education, recruitment examinations and employment. She also invited citizens from different sections of society to participate in her initiative.
Divya Mittal to Begin Political Journey in Uttar Pradesh
Mittal described Uttar Pradesh as her “karmabhoomi” and said the state would be the starting point of her political journey. She said she plans to work with people rather than operate under the banner of an established political party.
She referred to several experiences from her administrative career while explaining her decision. One example involved Lahuria Dah village in Mirzapur. During her tenure as District Magistrate, efforts were made to provide piped water to the remote village.
Mittal also spoke about education infrastructure, rural roads, bridges, examination paper leaks and delays in recruitment. She said these experiences influenced her decision to enter public life outside the civil service.
From IIT Delhi to IIM Bangalore
Before joining the civil services, Mittal studied at two leading Indian institutions. She completed Engineering Physics at IIT Delhi and later earned an MBA from IIM Bangalore.
After completing her MBA, she worked in London in the financial sector. She later returned to India and prepared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. She cleared the examination and joined the Indian Administrative Service as part of the 2013 Uttar Pradesh cadre.
Her career therefore included engineering, management education, international finance and public administration before her latest move into politics.
Divya Mittal’s 13-Year IAS Career
During her IAS career, Mittal held several administrative positions in Uttar Pradesh. She served as District Magistrate in districts including Mirzapur and Deoria and also held other senior government assignments.
Her tenure in Mirzapur received attention for efforts to improve water access in Lahuria Dah. The village had faced difficulties in accessing a reliable water supply, and her administration worked on a piped-water project.
Mittal later served in senior roles connected with rural roads and development administration. Before leaving the IAS, she was serving as Special Secretary in the Revenue Department.
Why Did Divya Mittal Leave the IAS?
Mittal announced her resignation from the IAS on August 30, 2026, after around 13 years in administrative service. Her resignation was accepted by the central government in September and became effective from September 15. Reports said she cited personal reasons, family priorities and new goals when submitting her resignation.
Her decision led to speculation about her next move. She later confirmed that she would enter politics and focus her efforts on Uttar Pradesh.
Divya Mittal’s Next Political Chapter
Divya Mittal’s political entry marks a shift from government administration to direct political activity. She has not announced an affiliation with a political party.
She has also not formally announced a specific constituency or electoral contest. Her immediate focus, according to her public announcement, is to build a platform around citizens’ concerns and public issues.
The move places Mittal in a new phase of her career after more than a decade in government service. Her stated approach is to work independently and engage directly with people in Uttar Pradesh.
