Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has initiated steps to organise HIV testing and counselling for students across engineering, arts and science colleges in the state, amid concerns over the rising number of HIV cases among young adults.
The move follows a request from the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS). Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) and the Department of Collegiate Education have reportedly begun taking necessary measures to implement the programme in colleges.
The Health Department has said that students’ privacy will be protected during the testing process. A QR code-based application named “Know Your HIV Status” is also being developed to support the initiative while maintaining confidentiality.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Union Ministry of Education had earlier directed higher educational institutions to strengthen HIV awareness programmes. As part of the new initiative, special health camps are expected to be conducted in colleges, where students will be offered HIV testing, counselling and awareness sessions.
College principals have also been instructed to cooperate with the Health Department in implementing the programme.
Rising HIV Cases Among Young Adults
According to figures attributed to the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Karnataka ranks third in India in terms of the number of people living with HIV.
The state reportedly has around 2.6 lakh people living with HIV, of whom nearly 54,000 are estimated to be unaware of their HIV status.
The data also highlights growing concern over HIV prevalence among younger age groups. Around 7,000 people aged between 18 and 25 years are reported to be living with HIV in Karnataka.
Among people aged 18 to 35, the reported number increased from around 44,500 in 2023–24 to 66,000 in 2025–26, according to the figures cited.
Health authorities have linked the rise in infections to factors including unsafe sexual practices and substance use.
The proposed college-based testing and counselling initiative is aimed at promoting early diagnosis, increasing awareness and encouraging timely access to treatment. Health experts say early detection of HIV can help individuals begin appropriate medical care sooner and can also reduce the risk of further transmission.
