A Shastri (Hindi: शास्त्री) degree is awarded to pupils after years of higher education in the Sanskrit language (at institutions such as Sampurnanand Sanskrit University or Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthanam in India). The length of training required for a Shastri degree is usually seven years following the completion of secondary school, although students may continue training for an additional two years to obtain an Acharya degree. At the completion of their training, while recipients retain their surname for their descendants, they are given the option to change their current surname to reflect attainment of the degree. This degree also enables pupils to become accredited Hindu Priests and Religious Teachers.
Shastri also exists as a surname through patriarchal inheritance, and so people with the name may not necessarily have undergone its associated training.