The object of the Basic Mountaineering Course is to initiate trainees to the mountains and the mountaineering. The trainees are given practical and theoritical instructions on mountaineering techniques. The course is divided as under;

•Acclimatization in Darjeeling (5 Days) :
During this period, trainees are given practice on rock climbing, short treks and easy climbs with loads, instructions in map reading, Himalayan Geology, Flora and Fauna, mountain hazards, health and sanitation, care of equipment and allied subjects. A test of physical fitness is also conducted.

•Trek to Base Camp (6 Days) :
The trek to Base Camp is through Western Sikkim. The total distance to the Base Camp is approximately 60 km. During this trek, the trainees carry a load of approximately 20 kg in their rucksacks. From Darjeeling, the trainees are brought to Yuksom by bus. Yuksom to Bakhim (2,700 m/9000 ft) is a day's trek, through wilderness, which continues to Jamlingkhang and finally bringing them to Chaurikhang (4,400 m/14,600 ft), the Base Camp of HMI.

•Trek Back to Darjeeling (4 Days) :
May follow the same or different route.

•Field Training at Base Camp (10 Days) :
During this period rock climbing, snow, glacier and ice crafts and crevasse rescue are taught. Trainees are also made to climb upto a height of approximately 5480 m/18,000 ft.

•Administrative Phase (3 Days) :
Equipment is returned to the stores after repair and maintenance. Trainees are debriefed and interviewed by the Principal. The course end with assimilation test and Graduation Ceremony.

Only Basic Course qualified persons with "A" grading and recommendation for Advance Course from NIM/SGMI/JIM/WHMI Manali/ITBP School Auli are accepted for Advance Course. The Course aims to train the students for becoming potential members of expeditions and teaches them advanced techniques of mountain climbing. The total duration of this course is 28 days which is divided as under;

•Acclimatization in Darjeeling (4 Days) :
During this period trainees are taught advanced Mountaineering theory. They are made to plan and organise a small expedition. They are also taught advanced techniques of artificial rock climbing and rescue.

•Trek to Base Camp (3 Days) :
The route varies depending on the time of year and training area selected. The trainees are expected to carry heavy loads, take more interest in allied subject like Flora and Fauna, Geology and Anthropology of the area.

•Field Training (16 Days) :
Trainees perfect their techniques on rock, snow and ice and on rescue methods under watchful eyes of the instructors. In addition, they are taught the use of specialised items of equipment. They are taken upto 5,570 m (19,000 ft) during the training.

•Trek Back to Darjeeling (2 Days) :
Route can be same as for Basic Course or may be altered.

•Administrative Phase (3 Days) :
Same as mentioned in Basic Course.

Duration of Course is 15 days. The object of the course is to stimulate a spirit a spirit of adventure or reveal and develop the sturdier qualities of character, both physical and mental, to instil a sense of comradeship, discipline, selflessness, service to the community, self-reliance, physical fitness and the ability to think and live adventurously. The course includes :

a) Rock Climbing
b) Trekking and Camping
c) Survival in jungle
d) Solo Camping
e) Canoeing and Watermanship
f) Obstacle Course
g) Cross Country Running
h) Map Reading

There are separate courses for boys, girls, adults and Visually Handicapped Persons (VHP).
The trainees are taken of treks to a number of places of tourist interests which include Tiger Hill, Sandakphu, Phalut, Mirik, Singla etc.