Tertiary & Quaternary Activities Class 12 Geography Chapter 6 CBSE Notes- 2025-26

Tertiary and quaternary activities form a significant part of the modern economy and deal mainly with providing services instead of making or processing physical goods. 

In the early phases of economic development, most people worked in primary occupations like farming, but as economies advanced, the share of workers in service-oriented activities increased.

Today, doctors, teachers, lawyers, shopkeepers, and other professionals represent the backbone of this sector, using their skills and expertise to serve people’s needs in return for payment.

Tertiary Activities: Meaning and Types Tertiary activities involve two main aspects: production (provision of services for consumption) and exchange (trade, transport, and communication that bridge distances). 

The output of such work is measured in terms of wages and salaries earned. Unlike the secondary sector, which uses machines and factories to create tangible products, the tertiary sector focuses on commercial services like plumbing, retail, education, healthcare, and professional consultation. The knowledge and training of workers are more significant here than machinery or physical tools.

Trade and Commerce Trade is the process of buying and selling items produced elsewhere for profit. It is divided into two main groups: rural and urban marketing centres. Rural marketing centres serve nearby villages and settlements and are basic in nature, usually featuring local collecting points and wholesale markets called mandis. 

Such markets may operate periodically (weekly or bi-weekly) to meet local demand. On the other hand, urban marketing centres are equipped with a wider range of specialised goods and services, serving industry, education, health, and retail, such as stores for finished products, housing, and professional offices.

Retail and Wholesale Trading Retail trading means selling goods directly to consumers, mostly through shops, though it can also happen via street peddlers, online portals, vending machines, and other non-store options. Wholesale trading is focused on selling goods in bulk mainly to retailers, often involving warehouses or supply houses. Retail stores usually buy supplies from wholesalers and may depend heavily on credit provided by them.

Transport Services Transport provides organised movement of people, goods, and materials from one place to another. It is essential for economic activities by making distribution and consumption possible. 

The distance covered through transport can be calculated in kilometres, time, or cost—factors that help people choose the most efficient route or mode. Transport systems link various places creating networks of nodes (origins, destinations, or meeting points) and links (routes that join nodes). 

Networks grow as roads, railways, and other connections are developed, making places more accessible.

The demand for transport depends on the size of the local population, the layout of towns, villages, and industrial centres, trade patterns, landscape features, climate, and the availability of funds. Increased connections and better roads or railways help expand business opportunities and accessibility.

Communication Services Communication means sharing information, messages, ideas, and news. Traditionally, communication was linked closely to transport networks. With technology like telephones and satellites, communication can now be instant and independent of physical movement. 

Mass media—like radio, television, newspapers, and the internet—spread information globally and are used for everything from news and advertising to entertainment and education. Modern telecommunications have reduced communication time from weeks to minutes, revolutionising how people and businesses connect worldwide.

Varieties of Services Tertiary services are provided at many levels, from daily needs (grocery shops, laundries) to specialised expert services (legal, medical, financial, consulting). 

Some services, like infrastructure maintenance or public education, are usually organised or regulated by governments or large companies. Personal services such as housekeeping, gardening, and cooking often employ unskilled workers who migrate from rural areas seeking employment and are less likely to be formally organised.

People in Tertiary Activities: Examples and Trends With economic development, the share of people working in services increases. Developed countries have a much higher ratio of service workers than developing ones, and the service sector is expanding even as primary and secondary sectors shrink. 

Tourism is the world’s largest tertiary activity, providing millions of jobs and substantial GDP shares. It generates demand for accommodation, food, travel, entertainment, and specialty shopping, and leads to the growth of infrastructure and related industries.

Tourism: Regions and Attractions Tourist regions attract visitors due to a pleasant climate, scenic landscapes, cultural or historical significance, and affordable services. For example, the Mediterranean coast, Indian beaches, snow-capped mountains, heritage sites, and national parks are popular. 

The tourism business in India and similar countries is thriving, with medical tourism now an important trend—attracting thousands of overseas patients due to top-quality, cost-effective healthcare. Besides leisure and recreation, people travel for medical care, making medical tourism highly valuable.

Quaternary Activities The quaternary sector covers activities based on knowledge and information. It involves generating, processing, and sharing information, research, and development. Professionals working in education, hospitals, offices, financial and management fields, and software companies are part of this sector.

Developments in the quaternary sector have replaced many traditional jobs in advanced economies, making this sector a new driver of economic growth. Many quaternary services can be outsourced and are not dependent on natural resources or local markets.

Quinary Activities Quinary activities represent the highest level of decision-making or ‘gold collar’ professions. These roles include top executives, government leaders, financial and legal consultants, and research scientists, whose ideas, innovation, and evaluations drive national or organisational progress. Their influence on the economy outweighs their relatively small numbers.

Outsourcing is common in quinary and quaternary sectors, with many jobs moving to countries like India, China, the Philippines, and others that offer skilled labour at lower costs. 

BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) covers general outsourced tasks, while KPO (Knowledge Process Outsourcing) focuses on highly skilled and knowledge-intensive tasks such as research, legal consultation, and banking. Outsourcing has created new jobs and business opportunities in many developing nations.

Colour of Collars Table

The Digital Divide The spread of information and communication technology has not been equal worldwide. Developed countries typically have better access to digital tools and the internet than developing ones, creating a digital divide. 

Even within a country like India, urban and metropolitan areas have much better connectivity than rural places. This difference means some people can benefit from digital growth and opportunities more than others, affecting learning, work, and economic progress.

Exercises and Practice Practice questions in this chapter include both objective questions and short or long answer formats that cover all key concepts, such as defining retail and wholesale trading, the role of the service sector, the impacts of transport and communication, and details about outsourcing and digital divides. Completing these will help reinforce understanding and prepare for exams.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 6 Notes – Tertiary and Quaternary Activities: Key Revision Guide

These Class 12 Geography Chapter 6 notes on Tertiary and Quaternary Activities cover all core definitions, differences, and examples needed for CBSE exams. Find concise summaries about trade, transport, services, outsourcing, and the digital divide to maximise your understanding. Perfect for quick revision before exams or clarifying complex concepts fast.

CBSE Class 12 Geography Notes provide clear explanations and structured pointers, making tough chapter topics easy to remember. Use these revision notes on Unit-III, Chapter 6: Tertiary and Quaternary Activities for daily preparation and last-minute brushing up of important facts and trends.