From AIR 6 to IAS Officer at 21 — Why IIT Delhi Grad Kashish Mittal Left It All for Classical Music
From AIR 6 to IAS Officer at 21 — Why IIT Delhi Grad Kashish Mittal Left It All for Classical Music
In a country where cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination is often considered the ultimate achievement, Kashish Mittal chose a path less taken.
An IIT Delhi graduate, an All India Rank 6 holder in JEE, and an IAS officer by the age of 21, Mittal had already scaled the academic and bureaucratic summits. But in 2019, he took a bold and surprising step, resigning from the Indian Administrative Service to pursue his lifelong passion: Hindustani classical music.
A Musical Calling from the Start
Born in 1989 in Jalandhar, Punjab, to IPS officer Jagdish Kumar and Sangeeta Mittal, Kashish was introduced to music early. His formal training in Hindustani classical music began at the age of eight, and by eleven, he was already performing at the renowned Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan. Despite the rigours of academic life at IIT and the demands of public service, music remained a constant companion.
Mittal’s passion for Khayal gayaki of the Agra Gharana led him to train under the traditional guru-shishya parampara with veteran vocalist Pandit Yashpaul. His efforts were recognised nationally—he holds the distinction of being an ‘A Grade’ artiste with All India Radio and Doordarshan, and is acknowledged as an ‘Established Artiste’ by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
Excellence in Service and Beyond
After completing his B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Delhi, Mittal cleared the UPSC exam in his first attempt and joined the IAS at 21. He served in several high-profile roles: Additional Deputy Commissioner in Chandigarh, Deputy Commissioner of Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), and Additional Principal Secretary at NITI Aayog.
However, despite his rising stature in governance, Mittal felt an increasing pull toward music. “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 shared.
The Resignation That Sparked Conversations
In 2019, after being transferred to Arunachal Pradesh, Mittal made the pivotal decision to resign from the IAS. The announcement stunned many but was, to him, a necessary step toward giving classical music the full attention it deserved. “An art like this is an eternal journey. You need to give it the respect it deserves,” he explained.
Far from disappearing from professional life, Mittal transitioned into the tech world. He joined Microsoft as a Principal Research Program Manager, where he worked for five years on innovation-led projects. In 2025, he took another leap, founding Disha AI, a tech startup blending artificial intelligence with social impact.
A Digital Music Sensation
Mittal’s return to music wasn’t limited to concert halls. His soulful renditions, shared online, have found a wide audience. One such moment, a casual performance of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s “Unke Andaz-e-Karam” went viral on Instagram, racking up over three million views. Seated informally among friends, his powerful voice struck a chord with viewers. The post’s caption “Woh bhi apne na hue, dil bhi gaya haathon se”, echoed with raw emotion.
The internet’s reaction was swift and heartfelt. “You, sir, are a gem,” wrote one commenter. Another added, “Even after IIT AIR 6 and IAS, you’re still following your passion. Truly motivating.”
Recognitions and Awards
Mittal’s musical journey has been recognised through numerous accolades:
- Punjab State Award for Art and Culture (2007)
- Saraswati Samman from IIT Delhi (2010)
- Naad Shri Samman (2018)
He is also a recipient of prestigious national scholarships like NTSE and CCRT fellowships.
A Life That Defies Labels
Kashish Mittal’s story is one of clarity, courage, and commitment, an inspiring reminder that true success lies in following your passion, no matter how unconventional it may seem. From the steel corridors of bureaucracy to the soft rhythms of raga, he continues to build a legacy that blends intellect with soul.
