In Jainism, kaivalya jnana (also called kevala jnana or absolute knowledge) is the state of perfect, infinite, and direct knowledge, free from all doubts, errors, and limitations. According to Jain philosophy, any soul (jiva) has the potential to attain kaivalya jnana, provided it removes all the karmic coverings (karma pudgala) that obscure its true nature.

Who can attain kaivalya jnana?

• Any soul (jiva): All living beings, whether human, animal, or even heavenly or hellish beings, inherently possess the capability to attain kevala jnana, because every soul is, by nature, pure, conscious, and omniscient.
• Human beings: In the present era (Avasarpini), Jain scriptures emphasize that only human beings have the right conditions and abilities to practice the necessary spiritual disciplines (right faith, right knowledge, right conduct) to attain kevala jnana.
• Path of purification: Attainment is possible only by following the path of the three jewels (Ratnatraya):

- Samyak Darshan (right faith) - Samyak Jnana (right knowledge) - Samyak Charitra (right conduct) By eliminating all four ghatiya karmas (knowledge-obscuring, perception-obscuring, deluding, and obstructing karmas), a soul achieves kevala jnana.

• Arihants and Tirthankaras: Those who have attained kevala jnana are called Arihants. If they also establish a religious order, they are called Tirthankaras.

In summary: According to Jainism, any soul, especially a human being, through rigorous spiritual effort and purification, can attain kaivalya jnana and become an Arihant.