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IAS Kashish Mittal: In a nation where millions of students dream of cracking JEE and UPSC, Kashish Mittal didn't just crack them – he conquered them with unprecedented excellence. Achieving All India Rank 6 in JEE, graduating from IIT Delhi, and becoming an IAS officer at just 21, Mittal had already reached the pinnacle of what Indian society considers success. Yet, his story was just beginning.

Born in 1989 in Jalandhar, Punjab, to IPS officer Jagdish Kumar and Sangeeta Mittal, Kashish grew up in an environment that valued both service and excellence. But what set him apart wasn't just his academic brilliance – it was his unwavering commitment to his passions, particularly Hindustani classical music, which he pursued alongside his stellar academic career. His journey from the corridors of power to the world of technology and music represents a new paradigm of success that transcends traditional boundaries.

The Academic Achiever Who Never Forgot His Roots

Mittal's academic journey reads like a fairytale of Indian education. Securing AIR 6 in JEE and graduating with a B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Delhi in 2010, he proved his intellectual mettle early. But the real shocker came when he cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in his first attempt with AIR 58 In 2011, joining the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) at the age of 21.

During his IAS tenure, Mittal served in high-profile positions including Additional Deputy Commissioner in Chandigarh, Deputy Commissioner of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, and Additional Principal Secretary at NITI Aayog. His administrative skills and dedication earned him recognition, but even in the demanding world of civil service, music remained his constant companion. "Even during my school and IIT years, I never let go of music, it was always there, a quiet force pulling me in," he once reflected.

The Musical Soul Behind the Bureaucrat:

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Concert at MDU Rohtak in Haryana (Image Source: Instagram)

What makes Kashish truly extraordinary is his parallel journey as a Hindustani classical musician. Starting his formal training at age eight under the traditional guru-shishya parampara with veteran vocalist Pandit Yashpaul, he was performing at the renowned Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan by age eleven. His dedication to Khayal gayaki of the Agra Gharana earned him recognition as an 'A Grade' artiste with All India Radio and Doordarshan.

Awards:

His musical achievements include the Punjab State Award for Art and Culture (2007), Saraswati Samman from IIT Delhi (2010), and Naad Shri Samman (2018). The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) acknowledges him as an 'Established Artiste', and he bagged several National Scholarships in music and academics, such as the Centre for Cultural Resources & Training (CCRT), National Talent Search Examination (NTSE), and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Scholarships.

Watch Kashish's viral musical performance:

The Bold Transition: From IAS to Tech Innovator

In 2019, Mittal made a decision that stunned the bureaucratic world – he resigned from the IAS. The move came after his transfer to Arunachal Pradesh, but it wasn't just about location; it was about following his heart. "An art like this is an eternal journey. You need to give it the respect it deserves," he explained, referring to his musical pursuits.

Far from disappearing into obscurity, Mittal transitioned into the technology sector, joining Microsoft as a Principal Research Program Manager. For five years, he worked on innovation-led projects, proving that his talents extended far beyond administration and music. His success at Microsoft demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel in diverse fields, from public service to cutting-edge technology.

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The Entrepreneur Who's Changing the World:

In March 2025, Mittal took his most audacious leap yet – leaving Microsoft to found Disha AI, a startup that blends artificial intelligence with social impact. This move represents the culmination of his diverse experiences, combining his technical expertise from IIT and Microsoft, his understanding of social systems from his IAS days, and his creative thinking honed through music.

His recent viral Instagram video, performing Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's classic, garnered over three million views, with viewers mesmerized by his soulful rendition. The internet's reaction was overwhelmingly positive: "You, sir, are a gem," wrote one commenter, while another added, "Even after IIT AIR 6 and IAS, you're still following your passion. Truly motivating."

The Legacy of Following Your Heart:

Kashish Mittal's story challenges every conventional notion of success. In a society where securing an IAS position is considered the ultimate achievement, he walked away to pursue something greater – authentic fulfillment. His journey from JEE topper to IAS officer to Microsoft executive to AI entrepreneur, all while maintaining his identity as a classical musician, proves that true genius lies not in following a predetermined path but in creating your own.

As one social media user aptly noted: "Middle class Indian parents can't accept this career trajectory, IAS to co-founder." Yet Mittal continues to inspire millions by showing that success isn't about choosing one path – it's about courageously pursuing all your passions and creating a life that reflects your authentic self.

Today, as he builds Disha AI while continuing his musical journey, Kashish Mittal stands as a beacon for young Indians who refuse to be boxed into societal expectations. His story reminds us that in a world of infinite possibilities, the biggest risk isn't failure – it's living a life that isn't truly yours.