ABSTRACT This article identifies the noteworthy role played by various statutory bodies constituted and expanded by the Indian Government for the purpose of quality assurance and attainment of sustainable excellence in the Indian higher education system. Accreditation has now become vital for all universities in India except those created through an act of Parliament. Without accreditation, these institutions have no legal entity to call themselves a University and award ‘Degrees’ which are not treated as valid for academic/employment purposes. Since quality assurance is an evolving issue the emphasis is deliberately given to excellence and quality as the distinct constituents of higher education in India. This is done through a combination of self and external quality evaluations, endorsements and sustenance initiatives. This paper also highlights existing key issues of the accreditation process and vital points that need to be incorporated to generate insights about the future of accreditation.