The reservation system in India, rooted in the Constitution for SC/ST legislative seats (originally a 10-year temporary measure under Article 334), has been repeatedly extended—now till 2030 via amendments. For jobs and education (Articles 15/16), there's no fixed end date; it's meant as affirmative action to address historical social and educational backwardness, not a permanent right.
Supreme Court rulings, like Indra Sawhney (1992) and recent EWS cases (2022), have capped it around 50% (with exceptions), introduced "creamy layer" exclusions for OBCs, and stressed periodic reviews. Judges have noted it "cannot continue indefinitely" and called for a revisit after 75+ years of Independence to move toward a casteless society. Sub-classification within SC/ST is now allowed to target the truly needy.
In reality, though? It won't end soon. Deep caste realities, political vote banks, and ongoing disparities keep it alive. Governments of all stripes expand or tweak it rather than scrap it—any attempt risks massive backlash. True closure might come only with broader economic growth, better primary education, and shifting to purely economic criteria over time. For now, expect continuation with reforms, not abolition.