When the Civil Servant Hit Ctrl+Alt+Startup: Kashish Mittal’s Reinvention Story

Image Source: The Economic Times

The working life of Kashish Mittal is rewriting the script on ambition in India. From being a JEE topper with AIR 6 to UPSC topper with AIR 58, Mittal has now embarked on a viral journey—thanks to a LinkedIn resume that's a lesson in reinvention.

Key Highlights:

Mittal is an IIT Delhi Computer Science graduate and joined the IAS in 2011 and served as Deputy Commissioner of Tawang and Private Secretary to Minister of State for External Affairs.

After working in civil service for almost ten years, he resigned in 2019 reportedly due to dissatisfaction with being transferred to Arunachal Pradesh.

He joined Microsoft in 2020 as Principal Research Program Manager, AI for social good.

Mittal started Disha AI, a Bengaluru-based startup funded by South Park Commons, in March 2025 with the objective of democratizing learning in AI by leveraging experiential learning.

His hit music video—spotlighting his Hindustani classical background—has added a creative flair to his already eclectic image.

Public Reaction: Social media users called his career switch the "craziest pivot," applauding his courage to abandon a stable government job in order to embark on entrepreneurial risk. The majority view his journey as an inspiration to those who are stuck in the passion vs. prestige dilemma.

Mittal's story is not one of professional transformations—it's one of challenging the norms of society and embracing complex identity. From policy corridors to technology labs and concert platforms, he's demonstrating that reinvention isn't just possible—it's powerful.

Sources: Hindustan Times, Financial Express, Indian Masterminds, Economic Times.