Holes are the majority charge carriers in

The correct answer is Option (3) → p-type semiconductors

Option (1) intrinsic semiconductors — Incorrect. In a pure semiconductor, every electron freed from a covalent bond leaves one hole behind. So the electron and hole numbers are equal, \( n_e=n_h \), and neither carrier is in the majority.

Option (2) ionic solids — Incorrect. In an ionic solid, the electrons are held tightly by the ions. There is no supply of free electrons or holes, so the solid behaves as an insulator.

Option (3) p-type semiconductors — Correct. A trivalent acceptor such as B, Al or In bonds with only three neighbouring Si atoms, leaving a hole in the fourth bond. The acceptor holes add to the thermally generated ones, so \( n_h\gg n_e \) and holes are the majority carriers.

Option (4) metals — Incorrect. In a metal, the conduction band is partly filled or overlaps the valence band. Its many free electrons carry the current. Holes do not carry the current in a metal.

NCERT (2026-27):
Extrinsic Semiconductor – “(ii) p-type semiconductor
This is obtained when Si or Ge is doped with a trivalent impurity like Al, B, In, etc. … Thus, for such a material, the holes are the majority carriers and electrons are minority carriers. Therefore, extrinsic semiconductors doped with trivalent impurity are called p-type semiconductors.”