After cracking the UPSC, Roman Saini and Divya Mittal took vastly different paths. Thirteen years later, both find themselves at a monumental career crossroads.
- Roman Saini left the IAS after just 20 months to co-found Unacademy.
- Divya Mittal served the civil services for 13 years before resigning.
- In 2026, both individuals are marking a significant transition in their professional lives.
For millions of aspirants, clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination is the ultimate goal. However, the real question lies in what happens after the dream is realized. The stories of Roman Saini and Divya Mittal provide two contrasting yet equally profound answers to this question.
Roman Saini: The Entrepreneurial Leap
Roman Saini's trajectory is nothing short of extraordinary. After clearing AIIMS at 16 and securing AIR 18 in the 2013 UPSC exam, he entered the IAS. Yet, his tenure lasted only about 20 months. A pivotal conversation at LBSNAA led him to pivot toward entrepreneurship, eventually helping build Unacademy, one of India's premier edtech giants.
Saini's journey was a high-stakes gamble. In the early days of Unacademy, he personally reached out to hundreds of educators to convince them of the potential of online learning. Now, thirteen years after his UPSC success, another chapter closes as Unacademy is acquired by upGrad in a deal valued at over $200 million.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that Saini's transition represents a broader shift in how high-achieving individuals view traditional power structures versus modern innovation. His ability to pivot from bureaucracy to building a multi-million dollar ecosystem is a blueprint for the modern professional.
True success is defined not by the prestige of the position held, but by the impact created through one's chosen medium.
Divya Mittal: A Legacy of Public Service
In stark contrast, Divya Mittal chose to immerse herself deeply in the administrative machinery. An alumna of IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore, Mittal joined the IAS in 2013. Over the next 13 years, she served in various capacities across Uttar Pradesh, including roles as District Magistrate in Deoria, Mirzapur, and Sant Kabir Nagar.
Mittal became known for her grassroots impact, such as bringing piped water to remote hill villages in Mirzapur. After over a decade of dedicated service, she resigned in August 2026, marking the end of an unforgettable chapter in public administration.
Comparative Overview: Two Paths, One Milestone
| Metric | Roman Saini | Divya Mittal |
|---|---|---|
| UPSC Year | 2013 | 2013 |
| IAS Tenure | ~20 Months | ~13 Years |
| Core Impact | EdTech Innovation | Public Administration |
| Current Status | Post-Acquisition Transition | Post-Service Transition |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Roman Saini leave the IAS so early?
He left to pursue entrepreneurship and build Unacademy after finding inspiration for a different path during his training.
2. Did Divya Mittal provide a reason for her resignation?
While she described her 13-year tenure as 'unforgettable,' she has not publicly disclosed a specific reason for her departure.
