Background: HIV/AIDS is a worldwide problem with medical and social issues, requiring the overall co–operation of the healthcare personnel and lay person towards the affected.

Objectives: To assess knowledge about HIV/AIDS amongst new entrants to the MBBS course, to evaluate prevalence of myths and misconcepts and to understand their response and attitude towards the affected individuals.

Methods: Evaluation and compilation of data through a questionnaire consisting of 25 questions.

Results: The study group included 127 students admitted to the medical course. The overall awareness about the causative agent was 33.9%. Blood transfusion and use of contaminated syringes and needles were thought to be the major modes of transmission (84.3%). A total of 83.4% students felt that heterosexual practices had a higher risk of transmission as compared to homosexual activity. Concerning attitude towards people with HIV/AIDS, 99.2% were aware that there was no risk involving casual contact. On preventive aspect, 92.1% students opined that it was necessary to sternly warn the affected individuals about their sexual behavior. Most students (81.1%) acquired the knowledge from schools and colleges.

Conclusion: Overall results show that students’ knowledge is lacking and hence indicates the need for education, from the school/college level for a comprehensive management of the disease.