Budgam, April 20, 2025 – In a historic milestone, Attiya Zehra from Budgam has soared to new heights, clinching an extraordinary 99.84 percentile in the JEE Main, making her the top-scoring female candidate from Jammu & Kashmir. This stellar achievement not only sets a new record for Kashmiri girls but also marks a moment of immense pride for the Kashmir Valley, showcasing the power of determination and academic excellence.
Attiya’s path to this triumph was paved with perseverance. Earlier this year, she scored a commendable 84.10 percentile in the fiercely competitive Joint Entrance Examination, yet it fell short of her ambitions. Undeterred, Attiya immersed herself in rigorous preparation, transforming setbacks into stepping stones. Her relentless effort culminated in a near-perfect 99.84 percentile, a score that has redefined what’s possible for students from Central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
Raised in a family that values learning, Attiya is the daughter of Ghulam Hassan Khanday, a respected Physical Education Master at Budgam’s District Youth Services and Sports Office. Her elder sisters, one a journalist and the other a scholar, have also excelled, creating a household where ambition thrives. Attiya’s success adds a new chapter to this legacy, blending discipline with dreams.
Her record-breaking 99.84 percentile places her among India’s academic elite, proving that talent from the Kashmir Valley can compete on a national stage. More than a personal victory, Attiya’s achievement is a beacon for Kashmiri girls, challenging barriers and inspiring young women to pursue careers in engineering and beyond. Her story underscores the potential of the Valley’s youth to break through stereotypes and shine brightly.
As Attiya prepares to join one of India’s premier engineering institutes, her journey offers a powerful lesson: resilience and dedication can turn dreams into reality, no matter the odds. Her triumph is a testament to the boundless potential of Kashmiri girls and a reminder that the Kashmir Valley is home to talent that can shape the nation’s future.

