Apparatuses and methods for synchronization signal (SS) block index and timing indication in wireless communication systems. A method of operating a user equipment (UE) includes receiving, from a base station (BS), sets of higher-layer configuration information. When configured for mobility measurement on SS and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) (SS/PBCH) blocks, the UE identifies, based on one of the sets of higher-layer configuration information, a first set of SS/PBCH blocks configured for the mobility measurement; and measures and reports mobility measurement quantities for the first set of SS/PBCH blocks. When configured for receiving a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), the UE identifies, based on another of the sets of higher-layer configuration information, a second set of SS/PBCH blocks configured for the UE; and receives the PDSCH with rate matching around a SS/PBCH block included in the second set of SS/PBCH blocks.