The recent resignation of Uttar Pradesh-cadre IAS officer Divya Mittal has drawn attention not only to her distinguished 13-year career but also to the parallel professional journey of her husband, Gagandeep Singh Dhillon. Dhillon, a former civil servant himself, had also opted to leave government service in 2022, transitioning into the financial sector.
Gagandeep Singh Dhillon's Career Path
Gagandeep Singh Dhillon's impressive academic background includes a BTech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Delhi (2002) and an MBA in Financial Mathematics from IIM Bangalore (2005). Before entering civil services, he garnered significant experience in international finance, working with institutions like BNP Paribas in Singapore and Citigroup in London. His roles involved specialized areas such as derivatives market-making, credit options, and foreign exchange trading.
In 2010, Dhillon successfully cleared the Civil Services Examination on his first attempt, joining the Indian Trade Service under the Ministry of Commerce. During his tenure, he served with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, handling crucial responsibilities related to import policies, export controls, and international business regulations. He also pursued a MicroMasters in Data, Economics, and Development Policy from MIT between 2019 and 2020.
Dhillon resigned from civil services in 2022 while serving as Joint Director General in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He subsequently returned to the financial markets and is currently associated with Neuracap as an algorithmic trader.
Divya Mittal's Journey to IAS
Divya Mittal's career trajectory mirrors her husband's in many ways. She also pursued her education at IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore before gaining corporate experience abroad as an associate at JPMorgan in London from April 2007 to July 2008.
Despite achieving what she considered professional success internationally, Mittal expressed feeling a void while living abroad. In her resignation post, she articulated a sense of responsibility towards her home country, driven by her education and opportunities. This led her to return to India and successfully join the IAS in 2013.
Over her 13-year career, Divya Mittal held several significant positions, including District Magistrate in Deoria, Mirzapur, and Sant Kabir Nagar, before her recent resignation.