The correct symbol for n-p transistor is

The correct answer is Option (2)

In the circuit symbol of a bipolar transistor the arrow is always on the emitter, and it points in the direction of conventional current through the emitter-base junction, from the p region to the n region.

In an n-p-n transistor the emitter is n-type and the base p-type, so the current flows from base to emitter and the arrow points outward, away from the base. Option (2) is the only symbol with the arrow on the emitter pointing outward.

Option (1) has the arrow on the emitter pointing inward, which is the p-n-p symbol; Options (3) and (4) place the arrow on the collector lead.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2022 on 05-08-2022 (Slot 2).

Note: This question is from the pre-rationalised NCERT book (2022-23). The topic was removed from the latest NCERT book (2026-27), and it also appears to be out of the CUET 2026 syllabus.

NCERT (Pre-rationalised edition, 2022-23):
Transistor: Structure and Action – “… In the schematic symbols used for representing p-n-p and n-p-n transistors [Fig. 14.27(b)] the arrowhead shows the direction of conventional current in the transistor.”

Transistor: Structure and Action – “… Thus in a p-n-p transistor the current enters from emitter into base whereas in a n-p-n transistor it enters from the base into the emitter. The arrowhead in the emitter shows the direction of the conventional current.”