Actual Memory-Based Passage + Questions + Model Answers | Phase 2 | Actual Paper | Held on Nov 15, 2025
The Reading Comprehension in the IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English paper (held on 15 November 2025) was widely reported by aspirants as the toughest section of the exam. The passage was based on neuroscience and Brain–Machine Interfaces (BMI), inspired from an article published by the University of Chicago’s “Triple Helix” platform—titled “The Future of Medicine or an Ethical Nightmare? Elon Musk’s Neuralink and the Advent of Brain–Machine Interfaces.”
Below is the closest accurate memory-based reconstruction of the passage, followed by the same 5 questions asked in the exam, and premium model answers suitable for scoring maximum marks.
1️⃣ Memory-Based RC Passage
(Reconstructed with high accuracy based on multiple candidate inputs)
Passage Begins:
Brain–Machine Interfaces (BMIs) represent one of the most groundbreaking advances in modern neuroscience, allowing direct communication between neural activity and external devices. By detecting electrical signals in the brain and converting them into digital commands, BMIs offer the possibility of restoring movement to patients with paralysis, enabling communication for those with neurological disorders, and potentially expanding human cognitive abilities in the future. Companies such as Neuralink aim to develop implantable chips that can both record and stimulate brain activity with far greater precision than existing technologies.
However, the rapid development of BMIs raises profound ethical and societal concerns. One of the primary debates centres around the issue of privacy. Because BMIs can theoretically access information related to thoughts, intentions or emotions, there is concern that such technology could lead to unprecedented levels of surveillance or manipulation if misused. Additionally, questions arise about the ownership of neural data, potential commercial exploitation, and whether individuals could be coerced—directly or indirectly—into adopting these technologies.
There are also risks associated with the medical procedures themselves. Surgical implantation of BMI devices involves invasive intervention, which carries the possibility of infection, tissue damage or long-term neurological complications. Researchers emphasise the need for rigorous clinical testing and transparent regulatory frameworks to safeguard patient safety. Moreover, unequal access to advanced neurotechnology could deepen existing social inequalities, with wealthier individuals potentially gaining cognitive or physical advantages unavailable to others.
Despite these concerns, scientists argue that BMIs hold extraordinary promise. With further innovation, they could revolutionise rehabilitation therapies, help understand complex brain disorders and create new ways for humans to interact with digital systems. The key challenge is to balance technological progress with ethical responsibility, ensuring that BMIs develop in a manner that protects human dignity and societal values.
Passage Ends.
2️⃣ Questions Asked (Memory-Based)
Q1. What are Brain–Machine Interfaces and how do they function?
Q2. What ethical concerns do BMIs raise?
Q3. Why is privacy considered a major issue in BMIs?
Q4. What medical risks are associated with BMI implantation?
Q5. What potential benefits do BMIs offer for the future?
3️⃣ Model Answers (IFSCA-Style: 1–2 Lines Each)
These are premium, examiner-aligned short answers, matching IFSCA’s expected style.
Q1. BMIs are technologies that translate brain’s electrical signals into digital commands, enabling direct interaction between neural activity and external devices.
Q2. They raise ethical concerns related to privacy, ownership of neural data, possible misuse or manipulation, and widening social inequalities.
Q3. Privacy is critical because BMIs can theoretically access thoughts, intentions or emotions, creating risk of surveillance or data exploitation.
Q4. Implantation involves invasive surgery, which may lead to infection, tissue damage or long-term neurological complications.
Q5. BMIs can help restore movement, improve communication for neurological patients, advance rehabilitation and create new human–machine interaction possibilities.
4️⃣ Section-Wise Difficulty Analysis
📌 Difficulty Level: HIGH
This RC was intentionally designed to test reading precision under scientific complexity.
📌 Why Students Found It Tough
- Highly technical subject (neuroscience + cybernetics)
- Multiple layers: ethics, medical risks, data ownership
- Dense sentences
- Inferential questions rather than direct lifts
📌 Word Limit Constraint
IFSCA fixed strict word limits (20–35 words).
This made it impossible to “stretch” answers — precision was mandatory.
📌 What Good Candidates Did Right
- Gave short, crisp 1–2 line answers
- Lifted core idea, not technical jargon
- Avoided over-explanation
- Stayed strictly within word limit
Our student’s approach (“I stuck to 1–2 line answers”) is exactly what examiners reward.
5️⃣ Final Remarks for Aspirants
The Comprehension section of IFSCA Grade A 2025 was the major differentiator. Candidates who stayed calm and focused on core meaning instead of scientific details scored better.
Practising technical RCs from domains like neuroscience, AI, energy, regulation, climate and policy can significantly improve performance in future regulatory exams.