No Mandatory HIV Testing in Colleges; '7,000 Students HIV Positive' Reports False: KSAPS
The Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society has refuted media reports claiming 7,000 college students in Karnataka are HIV positive, clarifying that 39,028 persons aged 18–35 have received ART treatment since 2004, and that HIV testing cannot be — and has not been — made mandatory under the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017.
The Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS), Department of Health & Family Welfare, has issued a press clarification (No. KSAPS/IEC/YOTH/1/2026-IEC dated 29 July 2026) refuting news reports that claimed 7,000 HIV positive cases have been found among college students in Karnataka, and that HIV testing has been made mandatory in colleges.
The Facts, as Clarified by KSAPS
- The '7,000 college students' figure is a misinterpretation. From 2004 till date, 39,028 persons in the 18–35 age group have been receiving ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) treatment in Karnataka. This long-term, all-adults figure was wrongly reported as college students being infected.
- HIV testing is not — and cannot be — mandatory. Under the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, HIV testing cannot be made mandatory, and it has not been made mandatory in colleges or anywhere else.
- What has actually been announced is the Mobilisation for AIDS Suraksha (MAS) programme — an 8-month Red Ribbon Awareness Campaign to control the spread of HIV and create awareness among college students through monthly activities.
Awareness Measures Underway
As per NACO estimates, about 56,000 HIV-infected people among the general and at-risk population in Karnataka remain unidentified. Citizens are advised to scan the HIV Self Risk Assessment QR Code on breakfreeindia.org to know their HIV risk status; the app also shows the nearest ICTC (Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre) for a confirmatory test.
More than a dozen departments — including Police, Transport Corporations (KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, KKRTC), Collegiate and Technical Education, Panchayat Raj, Labour, Social Welfare, Food and Civil Supplies, Backward Classes Welfare and Industries & Commerce — have been asked to spread QR-code awareness and organise Integrated Health Camps in coordination with District AIDS Prevention and Control Officers (DAPCO). A mascot campaign has also been launched, along with awareness advertisements on dating apps for high-risk groups.
KSAPS has requested newspapers and news media to republish this clarification, as the incorrect reports are likely to cause misinformation among the public.
The full clarification letter (English and Kannada) is attached below.
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