Here’s the simple distinction:

• Agarwal Jain: Agarwal (Agrawal) is a large North Indian social community, historically a mercantile group. Some Agarwal families became Jains, but this is about who they are as a lay community, not a separate Jain religion or sect. Within Jainism, they may follow either major Jain tradition (Śvetāmbara or Digambar), just like other Jains. So, “Agarwal Jain” describes a community identity, not a distinct Jain doctrine. You’ll find explanations that emphasize that Jainism is a dharma and Agarwal is a social group, not a conversion path into a new Jain tradition. ( jainknowledge.com)

• Other Jains (Dik-dharma): The core Jain path is not determined by caste or gotra. All Jains, whether Agarwal, Oswal, Khandelwal, or any other jati, follow the same central vows (ahimsa, satya, asteya, aparigraha, brahmacharya) and aim for moksha, but they may belong to different sects or lineages (Śvetāmbara, Digambar) and have local customs or panchayats. The key doctrinal split in Jainism is between Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions, not between Agarwal and non-Agarwal communities. ( jainknowledge.com)

• Practical differences you might notice:

- Temples and sanghs: Agarwal Jains often organize within their own community sanghs and temple setups, but they practice the same Jain vows and rituals as others; some Agarwal groups may have their own panchayats or community events. - Sect preferences: Depending on family or region, an Agarwal Jain may be Śvetāmbara or Digambara, just as other Jains may be. The religious difference is about texts, monastic rules, and temple practices, not about being Jain or not. ( jainknowledge.com)

If you’d like, I can point to a JainKnowledge page that discusses how Jain communities (including Agarwal) fit into the broader Jain tradition and clarify the sectarian landscape.