Short answer: Yes, laypeople can study Jain scriptures, including many Agams, but there are important tradition-specific nuances.

• Śvetāmbara tradition: Lay followers routinely study and chant many Agams (in Prakrit or translated forms) with guidance from teachers. They also rely on commentaries and summary texts to understand the Agams. So for most practical purposes, lay Jains read Agams and use authorized commentaries.

• Digambara tradition: The canonical Anga/Agam corpus is traditionally associated with monk-ascetics, and direct study of the original Agams is generally reserved for monks. Lay followers typically access the teachings through approved secondary literature, summaries, commentaries, and dharma discourse rather than the original Anga texts themselves.

In both cases, reading is encouraged for ethical and spiritual progress, but:

• Some texts may be technically challenging (Sanskrit/Prakrit, historical context).
• Guidance from a qualified teacher or a trusted commentary is helpful.
• Gender and initiation norms can influence who studies what in certain lineages, though lay practice is widely encouraged to learn and live by the teachings.

If you’d like, I can point to simplified summaries or approved commentary traditions within your specific Jain sect.