Meet Kashish Mittal who left his IAS job to follow his passion of music
| ➡️ Get instant news updates on Whatsapp. Click here to join our Whatsapp Group. |
We’ve all heard stories of people taking bold steps to follow their passion — leaving high-paying corporate jobs, moving to remote places, or switching careers entirely. But today, we’ll tell you about someone who went even further. He left one of the most prestigious jobs in India — the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) — to pursue his love for music.
Yes, you read that right. This is the inspiring journey of Kashish Mittal, a name that has now become a symbol of courage, passion, and purpose.
The Dream Life: IIT, IAS, and Microsoft
Kashish Mittal wasn’t just another student — he was a star. He secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 6 in the IIT-JEE, one of the toughest exams in the country. He then completed his Electrical Engineering from IIT Delhi, a dream for millions. But his ambitions didn’t stop there. In 2009, at just 21, he cleared the UPSC Civil Services Exam and became an IAS officer, one of the youngest in his batch.
His journey continued with powerful roles in administration, including serving as Private Secretary to the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, one of the highest policy-making bodies in India. From the outside, everything looked perfect — a dream career, high respect, job security, and power.
But deep inside, something was missing.
About Kashish Mittal
Born in Jalandhar in 1989 to IPS officer Jagdish Kumar and Sangeeta Mittal, Kashish was initiated into Hindustani Classical Music at the age of eight years under Prof. Harvinder Singh, along with his younger brother Lavish. Kashish gave his first performance at the age of eleven at the Harivallabh Sangeet Sammellan in Punjab. Kashish subsequently moved under the tutelage of Pandit Yashpaul, maestro of the Agra Gharana, as per the Guru Shishya Parampara. He underwent rigorous training under Pt. Yashpaul, and learnt the fine nuances of Khayal gayaki in the Agra Gharana style of singing.
The Turning Point: Resigning from the IAS
In 2019, Kashish made a decision that shocked everyone — he resigned from the IAS. It was reported that he was not satisfied with his transfer to Arunachal Pradesh. But more than the location, it was a deeper inner calling — a need to find meaning beyond administrative work.
His decision left people divided. Some admired his courage; others were puzzled. After all, who quits such a prestigious post? But Kashish had already begun listening to a different tune — one that came from his heart.
From Bureaucracy to Big Tech and AI
Most people assumed he would disappear from public life. But instead, Kashish took another interesting turn. He joined Microsoft, working on cutting-edge AI-driven projects. His work in the tech space was driven by the same curiosity and intelligence that made him top JEE and crack UPSC.
In 2025, he co-founded his own AI startup, focusing on ethical technology and exploring human potential. His career had now shifted from running systems to building them — from files and files in government offices to coding, creating, and leading in the tech world.
A Lifelong Love: Returning to Music
While tech and government were part of his journey, music was always his soul. Kashish had been training in Hindustani classical music since childhood, especially in the Agra Gharana tradition. After leaving the IAS, he began to focus fully on his musical career, performing professionally as a classical vocalist.
He is now an empanelled artist with All India Radio and ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations). His music reflects both spiritual depth and technical brilliance. His compositions carry emotion and tradition, and his voice has touched hearts across the country.
Going Viral: Music Meets Social Media
In 2024 and 2025, Kashish Mittal didn’t just perform on stage — he also captured hearts on screens. His LinkedIn posts — a mix of personal experiences, reflections on life, career decisions, and poetry — went viral. He became a voice for those who dared to dream differently. His posts inspired thousands of young Indians who wanted more than the usual definitions of success.
On Instagram, his videos and reels reached millions. One particular reel, where he sang “Unke Andaz-e-Karam” by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, touched a chord with listeners. The soulful performance, simple setting, and emotional depth made it go viral — collecting over 3 million views. People didn’t just hear a song; they felt a story.
A Multi-Hyphenate Who Dares to Be Different
Today, Kashish Mittal is many things — a former IAS officer, techie, entrepreneur, classical singer, and storyteller. But more than that, he is a symbol of boldness. He proves that success is not a straight line and that you don’t have to live the life society expects of you.
In a country where most people chase job security and stable careers, Kashish chose freedom, passion, and self-expression. He is not just “biodata material” — he’s living proof that you can be logical and creative, grounded and spiritual, a planner and a dreamer — all at once.
The Message: Follow Your Passion, No Matter the Cost
Kashish Mittal’s story isn’t just about leaving a job. It’s about having the courage to walk away from something good in order to chase something great. It’s about trusting your inner voice when everyone else tells you to stay quiet.
He reminds us that it’s never too late to start again, that it’s okay to change your path, and that your happiness is worth everything. His life is a melody — one that encourages others to write their own tune and sing it loud.
