The UPSC exam is renowned as one of the most challenging exams in India and only a small fraction manage to pass. Many aspirants turn to coaching classes and numerous reference books in their quest to succeed. However, some individuals achieve success without the help of formal coaching. One such inspiring story is that of Divya Mittal, a resident of Rewari district in Haryana.

Having successfully cleared challenging exams like the JEE and CAT, Divya Mittal harboured a dream of becoming an IAS officer. To pursue her dream, she decided to leave her high-paying job in London to start her UPSC preparation.

Education

Divya Mittal completed her engineering degree at IIT Delhi, one of India's most esteemed technical institutes. To further advance her career, she chose to pursue an MBA from IIM Bangalore. Proving her commitment and ability, she cleared the CAT exam, known as one of the hardest entrance tests in the country, which helped her gain admission to IIM.

After earning her MBA, Divya Mittal secured a lucrative job and relocated to London, where she enjoyed a life of luxury and comfort. However, deep down, she thought that this was not her true calling. Her genuine aspiration was to serve her country by becoming an IAS officer.

Quitting the job

While working in London, Divya Mittal had a heartfelt conversation with her husband, Gagandeep Singh, and together they decided that she would pursue her dream of becoming an IAS officer. With this resolution, she quit her job and returned to India with her husband. Although leaving a prestigious position in London was not easy, Divya chose to prioritize her aspirations. Upon returning to India, she immersed herself in UPSC preparation.

UPSC journey

In her very first attempt, Divya Mittal successfully qualified for the IPS (Indian Police Service), a remarkable achievement given the difficulty of the UPSC exam on the first try. Securing a position as an IPS officer is a significant honour and a testament to her hard work. However, Divya's true ambition was to become an IAS officer. Driven by her dream, she decided to make another attempt at the UPSC exam.

Becoming an IAS officer

After taking the UPSC exam for the second time, Divya Mittal achieved her dream of becoming an IAS officer. This time, she not only passed the exam but also secured an impressive 68th rank. Her journey serves as an inspiration for young people who may feel daunted by life's challenges. 

Also read: Success story: Inspiring UPSC journey of IPS Aashna Chaudhary