Why This IAS Officer Left the Civil Services to Master Hindustani Classical Music

24 July 2025

Meet Kashish Mittal. AIR 6 in JEE, AIR 58 in UPSC, IAS at 21. But behind the milestones was an 8-year-old boy who had once fallen in love with Hindustani classical music.

Born in Jalandhar, he was introduced to classical music at eight. But like many kids, he was steered toward academic excellence.

After becoming an IAS officer, he held key posts in Chandigarh, Arunachal Pradesh, the MEA, and NITI Aayog for over 9 years.

But through all of it, music never left his side. He sang at IIT fests, cultural meets, even government events — wherever life allowed.

But deep down, he knew, something was missing. A different kind of service was calling — one to the soul.

So he did what few dare to. He let go of the IAS badge and chose music full-time.

Today, he’s a celebrated Hindustani classical vocalist. An ‘A Grade’ artist with All India Radio, recognised by ICCR, trained in the Agra Gharana.

He’s also received the Punjab State Award for Art & Culture, the Saraswati Samman, and the Naad Shri Samman.

But no honour, he says, compares to what music gives him — peace.

“This isn’t a detour,” Kashish says. “This is the path I was always meant to walk.”

From power corridors to the purity of raag, Kashish Mittal’s story reminds us that success means nothing if it doesn’t stir your soul.