A communication method and a system for converging a 5th generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th generation (4G) system with a technology for internet of things (IoT) are provided. The disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. Disclosed is a method of performing activation and deactivation of a semi-persistent sounding reference signal (SP SRS) through a medium access control element (MAC CE) when activation/deactivation of the SP SRS is indicated in a next-generation mobile communication system.