Question

why do alpha hydroxy ketones give tollens test

Answer 1

α-hydroxy ketones are able to give a positive Tollens' test since α-hydroxy ketones have the ability to tautomerize to aldehydes, and the aldehyde gives the Tollens' test. An α-hydroxy ketone that cannot tautomerize to a aldehyde won't give a positive Tollens' test, like benzoin.
I'm attaching the mechanism of the tautomerization reaction below: