The work is devoted to ratings as components of state policy to increase the competitiveness of Russian universities. It is noted that in recent years ratings have become the most important instrument of public policy in Russia. The results of rating studies are used to regulate many socio-economic processes, including the development of regions and organizations. This is due to the fact that ratings help analyze the process based on the use of a large number of indicators, as well as manage this process. As a tool for regulating the development of higher education, rankings have been actively used in Russia since 2012, when the practical implementation of a program to increase the competitiveness of leading Russian universities among world research and educational centers began. However, focusing on the indicators of international rankings, which do not take into account the peculiarities of the organization of science and higher education in Russia, along with positive results, also had a negative impact on a number of processes in the development of higher education. University rankings developed in Russia, for example, the Moscow International University Ranking “Three University Missions,” contain indicators that take into account the quality of education, the volume of scientific research performed, and the participation of universities in the life of local communities. As a result, it was noted that the experience of developing university rankings in Russia can form the basis for the formation of a national ranking of universities. The effectiveness of the national ranking of universities, as an instrument of state policy of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, will depend on what indicators are included in the ranking. To determine the most effective indicators, it is necessary to assess the regulatory impact for each indicator, calculate the effects and risks of using indicators that evaluate Russian universities.