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How does acceptance of the Vedas distinguish astika schools from nastika schools?

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Indian philosophy In the Bhagavad Gita Arjuna and the Hindu deity Krishna, who also serves as Arjuna's charioteer (as depicted in this 17th-century illustration), engaging in a philosophical dialogue.

In Indian philosophy, the classification of schools into astika and nastika is a fundamental distinction based on their stance toward the authority of the Vedas.12

Astika (Orthodox): These schools are defined by their acceptance of the authority of the Vedic scriptures. This acceptance serves as a foundational principle, often requiring that philosophical reasoning remain subordinate to the truths revealed in the texts. The six orthodox systems—Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, and Vedanta—all trace their principles back to Vedic statements. It is important to note that astika does not equate to "theistic"; for example, the Samkhya school does not require belief in a creator god.123
Nastika (Unorthodox): These schools are characterized by their rejection of the authority of the Vedas. This category includes Buddhism, Jainism, the Ajivikas, and the materialistic Carvakas.12

While the terms are sometimes associated with belief in a transcendent world, the primary philosophical divide remains the recognition of the Vedas as a valid, authoritative source of knowledge.2