2026, Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B

Accreditation and university rankings have emerged as powerful mechanisms that influence the growth, quality, and competitiveness of higher education institutions. While accreditation ensures minimum quality standards through systematic evaluation, global and national rankings create competitive pressure for excellence, international visibility, and institutional reputation. This research paper examines how accreditation and rankings have evolved, their role in institutional development, the challenges they pose, and how higher education institutions—especially in developing countries like India—can strategically leverage them for sustainable growth.