After 41 years, he retired as Acharya of the Hindi department of the University of Calcutta in 1994, marking the end of his academic career.

Vishnu Kant Shastri was a well-known figure in the Hindi literary world and authored several books, including: Kavi Nirala Ki Kavya Vedna Tatha Anya Nibandh, Kuch Chandan Ki Kuch Kapur Ki, Chintan Mudra, Anuchintan (literary criticism), Tulsi Ke Hiye Heyri (essay on Tulsidas), Bangla Desh Ke Sandarbh Main (reportage), Smaran Ko Patheya Banahe Do, Sudhiyan Us Chandan Ke Van Ki (travelogue and reminiscence), Bhakti Aur Sharanagati, Gyan Aur Karma (thought-philosophy), Anant Path Ke Pathik-Dharamveer Bharti, Jeevan Path Par Chalte Chalte (poetry).

Some of the several accolades and laurels Vishnu Kant Shastri won for his literary efforts were "Acharya Ramchandra Shukla Puruskar" by the Government of Uttar Pradesh for his book Kuch Chandan Ki Kuch Kapur Ki in 1972-73, the Government's State Literary Award for his book Bangla Desh Ke Sandarbh Mein in 1974-75, Special Award by U.P.

Hindi Sansthan for Smaran Ko Patheya Banahe Do (1978–79), Special Award by Ramayan Mahotsava Pratishthan, Chitrakoot, U.P.

At age 75, Vishnu Kant Shastri was travelling on the Danapur Express to Patna, intending to provide a discourse on Gita, when he suffered a fatal heart attack.