Decision makers and consultants belong to which service sector?

The correct answer is Option (3) → Quinary

Option (1) Tertiary — Incorrect. The tertiary sector is the whole service sector, run by skilled labour, trained experts and consultants. The highest level of decision makers and senior consultants are placed in its own top subdivision, the quinary sector, so the broad name is not the one asked for.

Option (2) Secondary — Incorrect. The secondary sector processes raw materials into goods in factories; it is manufacturing, not a service.

Option (3) Quinary — Correct. The highest level of decision makers or policy makers perform quinary activities. These ‘gold collar’ professions carry the special, highly paid skills of senior executives, government officials, research scientists and financial and legal consultants.

Option (4) Quaternary — Incorrect. Quaternary activities deal with the collection, production and dissemination of information and centre on research and development. They are knowledge work, but not the top decision-making level.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2024 on 19-07-2024 (Slot 1).

NCERT: Fundamentals of Human Geography — Chapter 6: Tertiary and Quaternary Activities, Tertiary activities; Quinary Activities (2025-26)