In Jainism, liberation (moksha) is possible for any soul that purifies itself of karma. Whether a layperson can achieve it in one lifetime is described as possible but extremely rare.

Key points:

• Moksha requires eradicating all karma and realizing the soul’s true nature. This is attained by steady practice of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, along with deep inner purification.
• A monk or Jain ascetic typically accelerates this process through rigorous austerity, but a layperson can also progress toward liberation while living in the world by observing the vows appropriate for householders (such as non-violence, truth, not stealing, celibacy to the extent possible, and moderation in possessions and pleasures) and by regular spiritual practices (like meditation, self-control, and ethical living).
• The vast majority of souls progress over many lifetimes. A few extraordinary individuals—given strong shraddha (faith), discipline, and karmic conditions—may attain kevala jnana (omniscience) and liberation within a single lifetime. In Jain scriptures, such one-lifetime liberation stories are celebrated but are presented as rare exceptions, not the norm.

In short, yes, in principle a layperson can achieve liberation in one lifetime, but it is exceptionally uncommon. For most aspirants, steady practice across lifetimes is the more typical path.

You can read more on Jain householders’ path and the nature of liberation in Jain knowledge resources.