The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as the Shanghai Ranking, is an annual ranking of global universities. Established in 2003 by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, it evaluates institutions based on research output, quality of faculty, and academic performance. Key indicators include the number of Nobel Prize winners and highly cited researchers affiliated with the university. ARWU is widely recognized for its objective approach to ranking universities, focusing primarily on academic and research excellence. It provides valuable insights for students, educators, and policymakers, helping them assess the performance of higher education institutions worldwide.