From IIT Topper to IAS: The Beginnings of a Phenomenon
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JEE AIR-6: Kashish Mittal cracked the IIT-JEE with an All-India Rank of 6, joining IIT Delhi for Computer Science & Engineering (Batch of 2010).
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UPSC AIR-58: In less than a year post-graduation, he cleared the country’s hardest exam to become an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, AGMUT cadre.
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Young Achiever: Accomplishing two dream careers before age 25, Mittal became a role model for aspirants nationwide.
️ The IAS Years: Service, Responsibility, and a Brave Decision
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Varied Administrative Roles: Served as Additional Deputy Commissioner (Chandigarh), Deputy Commissioner (Tawang), and as Private Secretary to the Minister of State for External Affairs.
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NITI Aayog Stint: Worked closely with the government’s premier policy think tank, building expertise at the intersection of governance and innovation.
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Resignation in 2019: Mittal resigned from the IAS, reportedly following a transfer to Arunachal Pradesh. The move stunned many, with debates on the pressure of traditional career tracks, but marked a crucial pivot point in his life.
Microsoft & the AI Pivot: From Bureaucrat to Tech Leader
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Microsoft Role: Transitioned to become Principal Research Program Manager, focusing on AI for societal impact, product management, and innovation at Microsoft for five years.
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Skills & Vision: Blended government, tech, and management experience, putting him at the forefront of India’s AI and digital transformation wave.
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Project Highlights: Drove impactful AI projects that bridged policy and technology for real-world applications.
Entrepreneurship: Founding Disha AI
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Launch in 2025: Left Microsoft in March 2025 and founded Disha AI, an edtech startup based in Bengaluru12.
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Mission: Enable students and professionals to master AI through practical, “learn-by-doing” experiences. The focus: demystifying AI no matter your background.
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Backing: Supported by South Park Commons, a prestigious early-stage venture fund and startup community.
The Soulful Side: Viral Singing and Personal Passions
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Trained Classical Singer: Mittal is a talented Hindustani classical vocalist, a passion that complements his professional achievements.
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Viral Moment: His impromptu soulful video—where he performed a classical melody—garnered over 600,000 views in just three days, instantly endearing him to audiences.
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Resonance: Mittal’s viral presence was not limited to achievements but extended to pursuing joyfully unconventional talents.
Social Media Reacts: Why Everyone Is Talking About Kashish Mittal
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Viral LinkedIn Profile: A screenshot of his career highlights—IIT topper, IAS, Microsoft, AI founder, classical singer—went viral.
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Admiration & Questions: Thousands praised his courage to shift gears, and sparked lively debates:
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“Middle-class Indian parents can’t accept this career trajectory, IAS to co-founder…”
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“He proved to society and family what he’s capable of by passing two of the country’s most competitive exams. Now, he’s living his dreams!”
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Inspiration: His journey encourages youth to blend professional excellence with passion and creativity, defying career stereotypes.
What Sets Kashish Mittal Apart? (Quick Table)
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Excellence | AIR-6 (JEE, IIT Delhi, 2010), AIR-58 (UPSC, 2011) |
| Civil Service | AGMUT cadre IAS officer (2011-2019), varied senior roles |
| Corporate Leadership | Principal Research PM, Microsoft (2019-2025) |
| Startup Founder | Disha AI, Bengaluru (2025), Edtech & AI innovation |
| Creative Talent | Trained Hindustani classical singer; viral social media sensation |
| Social Impact | Focuses on AI for good, digital transformation, bridging policy and tech |
Why Kashish’s Journey Inspires a New Generation
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Breaking Boundaries: Shows that success needn’t be linear—one can excel in multiple domains by constantly pursuing new passions.
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Challenging Norms: Defied expectations of a ‘safe’ career and societal pressure, choosing paths aligned with personal growth and purpose.
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Integration of Skills: Seamlessly weaves technical, governmental, and artistic pursuits into one narrative—an inspiration for holistic growth.
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Authenticity: Demonstrates that self-expression (whether via AI or music) and professional ambition are not mutually exclusive.
Quotes & Highlights
“He proved to society and family what he is capable of by passing two of the country’s most competitive exams. Now, he’s living his dreams.”
— Social Media User
“Middle-class Indian parents can’t accept this trajectory, IAS to co-founder.”
— X user
Final Takeaway: A New Blueprint for Succes
Kashish Mittal’s rise—from IIT Delhi to IAS to Microsoft to AI founder and viral singing star—illustrates the spirit of modern India: courageous, multidimensional, and unafraid to be different. For young dreamers, his journey is not just an inspiring headline—it’s proof that you can rewrite the rules, blend intellect with art, and shape your destiny by following your own unique melody.
Ready to break your own boundaries? Let Kashish Mittal’s story inspire your next bold move!
