Answer

At the beginning, Jain Dharma had no sects. The Jain community was originally one unified sangha.

Explanation

Later, the two main sects of Jainism developed:

• Digambara
• Śvetāmbara

In historical discussions, Digambara is often regarded as the older tradition, but the exact dating is not something Jain sources present in a simple “first sect” form.

So the most accurate answer is:

• There was no sect at first
• The first major division later became Digambara and Śvetāmbara

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, the main goal is not sect identity, but:

• right faith
• right knowledge
• right conduct

Sects are part of historical development, but the essence of Jain teaching remains the same: non-violence, self-discipline, and liberation.

Takeaway

If you want the simplest answer: Jainism started without sects, and the first major sect division later became Digambara and Śvetāmbara.