The second largest employment provider in India is
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option B —
Manufacturing
Sector-wise BreakdownWhile Agriculture remains the largest employer in India (employing nearly 45% of the workforce), the secondary and tertiary sectors compete for the remaining share. According to recent Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS) and economic data:
Agriculture (A): Remains the primary employer, though its share of the GDP is lower than that of the services sector.
Manufacturing (B): Traditionally stands as the second-largest employer. It is a critical sector for absorbing surplus labor from agriculture, particularly in textiles, food processing, and metals.
Real Estate and Construction (C): This is a very close contender and is often cited as the second-largest employer in specific quarterly reports, particularly for unskilled and semi-skilled labor. However, in the broad classification of economic sectors, Manufacturing is generally ranked second.
IT and Related Services (D): While this sector contributes significantly to India's GDP and global reputation, it is a relatively small employer in terms of total volume compared to the millions employed in factories or on construction sites.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
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