His resignation follows weeks of student protests and opposition criticism demanding accountability, sweeping reforms to the examination system and his removal from office.

The announcement came as leaders of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has spearheaded the student movement, reiterated that Pradhan’s resignation was their “non-negotiable” demand during ongoing talks with the federal government.

Speaking before the resignation was announced, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka warned that the organisation would be forced to adopt a “tough stance” if the Centre failed to clearly state its position on Pradhan’s future.

“There is no point in continuing discussions if the government has already decided against his resignation,” Ranka said.

He said Friday’s meeting with Union ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh had been constructive on issues including compensation for affected students and the withdrawal of legal action against protesters.

However, he noted that the government had so far offered only an in-principle assurance and that the group was still awaiting a written agreement.

Ranka maintained that no lasting solution to the crisis was possible without Pradhan stepping down, warning that the protest movement would intensify if the government refused to meet the demand.

Pradhan’s resignation marks a major concession by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, which has faced growing public and political pressure over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations that sparked one of the largest student-led protest movements in recent years.