The security depends on the loan amount. It is quite possible that banks may not require security for a loan of up to Rs 25,000, but would require it for amounts greater than that. These limits are usually in slabs that vary with banks. The usual security that the banks generally take are National Savings Certificates (NSCs), bonds, gold, vehicle, house or property, etc. In addition to these, some banks might also require the applicant to have a life insurance policy equivalent to, or greater than, the loan amount.