Last Updated: August 31, 2026
Divya Mittal’s story has always felt larger than a typical success narrative. An IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore graduate who left a high-paying London job to serve as an IAS officer, she recently closed that chapter after 13 years, choosing family and personal priorities. Yet the foundation of everything she achieved sits with her parents—especially the quiet, consistent influence of her mother.
Table of Contents
A Middle-Class Home That Valued Education Above All
Divya Mittal was born on 23 November 1983 and grew up in a modest, middle-class household with roots in Rewari, Haryana, and a strong connection to Delhi. Her family never lived in luxury, but they placed an uncompromising emphasis on learning and character. Public records and her own reflections consistently describe a home where hard work was normal and excellence was expected without pressure.
Her mother, Saroj Mittal, stands at the centre of this story. Divya has publicly shared that her mother raised three children, all of whom went on to study at IIT and later IIM, and are doing well in their lives. That single fact speaks volumes about the environment at home. The father’s name has not been made public, reflecting a deliberate choice to keep the family’s private life away from the spotlight. What matters more is the atmosphere they created together: one of discipline, self-belief, and quiet support.
Lessons from Saroj Mittal That Shaped a Civil Servant
In 2022, Divya Mittal posted a widely shared thread on parenting lessons she absorbed from her mother. Those insights reveal the real education she received long before any competitive exam:
- Constant reassurance that children can achieve anything they set their minds to
- Focus on building character and kindness rather than chasing only marks
- Allowing space for independence while staying emotionally present
- Teaching resilience through everyday example rather than lectures
These values travelled with Divya from a middle-class Delhi home to the trading floors of London and later into the districts of Uttar Pradesh. When she speaks of wanting to “repay her debt to this soil,” the language carries the imprint of parents who taught her that opportunity comes with responsibility.
How Family Values Guided Career Choices
After completing her B.Tech in Engineering Physics from IIT Delhi and her MBA from IIM Bangalore, Divya worked as an exotic derivatives trader with JP Morgan in London. On paper it was the dream. Yet both she and her husband, Gagandeep Singh Dhillon, felt something missing. They returned to India, prepared for the civil services, and entered public life. Divya first joined the IPS and then secured All India Rank 68 to enter the IAS in the 2013 batch of the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
That decision to leave comfort for service mirrors the values her parents modelled: ambition balanced with purpose, and success measured by contribution rather than salary. Even her recent resignation in August 2026, driven by family responsibilities and a desire to pursue long-held interests while raising two daughters, reflects the same prioritisation of what truly matters—an approach she first saw at home.
Key Family and Personal Details at a Glance
Aspect Details Mother Saroj Mittal Father Name not publicly known Siblings Two (all three children attended IIT & IIM) Hometown / Roots Delhi / Rewari, Haryana Upbringing Middle-class, education-focused Husband Gagandeep Singh Dhillon (former IAS) Children Two daughters – Advika and Avyana Recent Update (2026) Resigned from IAS after 13 years of service
Conclusion
Divya Mittal’s parents never sought the public eye, yet their influence runs through every major decision she has made—from leaving a lucrative London career to serving as District Magistrate in places like Mirzapur and Deoria, and finally stepping away from the IAS when family called louder. Saroj Mittal’s quiet strength in raising three high-achieving children remains the most powerful part of this story. In a world that often celebrates only the visible ranks and postings, the real foundation was built at home through consistent values, belief, and everyday example. That is the lasting lesson Divya Mittal’s journey continues to offer.