IAS Divya Mittal: The Woman Who Chose Purpose Over Prestige

Story

While most chase comfort and luxury, Divya Mittal chose a harder, nobler path—one that led her not to riches, but to responsibility.

From London's gleaming boardrooms to the heart of rural India, her story is one of grit, courage, and unmatched willpower. She didn’t just clear the UPSC exam—she rewrote the definition of success.


🏡 Born in a Small Town, Built for a Big Mission

Divya was born on 23 November 1983 in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh. Growing up in a modest home, she was always curious, disciplined, and determined.

After her early schooling, she moved to Delhi to pursue a degree at Delhi University, one of India’s premier institutions. But her ambitions stretched far beyond textbooks and classrooms.


🌍 The London Dream—Lived and Left Behind

With a strong academic background, Divya earned admission to an MBA program in London. She soon found herself working in a leading multinational corporation, living a life many dream of—hefty paychecks, global exposure, and a promising career ahead.

But something tugged at her heart.

“I had everything—except meaning.”

That’s when she knew: she was meant for something more.


🔄 The Big Switch—From Corporate Comfort to Civil Calling

Most people fear losing stability. Divya gave it up willingly.
She quit her job, left London, and returned to India—this time with a dream to serve her country.

She locked herself away with books, notes, and a laser-sharp focus. In 2012, on her first attempt, she cracked the UPSC Civil Services Exam with an incredible AIR 68.


🛡️ IPS to IAS: Climbing Higher for a Cause

She was initially selected for the Indian Police Service (IPS), but her journey didn’t stop there. In 2013, she moved into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), believing it would allow her to impact governance more directly and deeply.


🏛️ Back to Her Roots: DM of Deoria

Today, Divya Mittal serves as the District Magistrate of Deoria—the very town she was born in. Her journey has come full circle.

Now, she leads where she once learned. From improving infrastructure to empowering women and youth, Divya’s presence in Deoria is a symbol of hope, strength, and transformation.


🧠 Her Message to Aspirants

Divya actively mentors UPSC aspirants online, sharing strategies, motivation, and mental frameworks for success.

🔑 “Know your ‘why’—it will guide you through every ‘how’.”
⏳ “Consistency is more powerful than intelligence.”
💬 “You don’t need a fancy background. You need a fierce purpose.”


📌 Quick Glance at Her Journey

AttributeDetailsNameDivya MittalBorn23 November 1983 (Age: 42 in 2025)BirthplaceDeoria, Uttar PradeshEducationBA (Delhi University), MBA (London)UPSC Year2012 (AIR 68)First ServiceIPSCurrent ServiceIAS (since 2013)Current RoleDistrict Magistrate, Deoria


🌈 The Legacy She’s Building

Divya Mittal is more than an IAS officer.
She is a role model, a torchbearer, and a testament to what happens when one dares to leave the known for the meaningful.

She teaches us that real success isn’t about titles or salaries. It’s about contribution. It’s about coming home to serve.

If she can leave a life of luxury for a life of service,
What’s stopping you from chasing your dream?

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