According to Jainism, swadhyay (study of scriptures and self-reflection) is highly encouraged and considered one of the essential daily duties (avashyaka) for both householders (shravaks) and monks (sadhus).

Best Time for Swadhyay:

• Jain scriptures recommend that swadhyay can be performed at any pure and undisturbed time of the day.
• Early morning (before sunrise or during Brahma Muhurta) is considered the most auspicious and effective time. This is because the mind is fresh, the environment is calm, and distractions are minimal.
• After performing morning rituals like snan (bath), samayik (meditation), and pratikraman (repentance), one may engage in swadhyay.
• Some also do swadhyay in the evening after sunset, but traditionally, the morning is preferred.

Guidelines:

• Perform swadhyay with a clean body and a peaceful mind.
• Sit in a quiet, clean place, ideally in front of the Jain idol or your puja place.
• Begin with Namokar Mantra and then study or listen to Jain scriptures, commentaries, or teachings of Tirthankaras and Acharyas.

References:

• Jain Agamas (scriptures) such as Uttaradhyayana Sutra and Tattvartha Sutra mention the importance of regular swadhyay.
• Jain acharyas emphasize that swadhyay can be done whenever one finds time, but morning is most beneficial.

Summary: You can do swadhyay in the early morning after your daily ablutions and puja, as this is considered the best and most effective time according to Jain teachings. However, it can also be done at any time that is convenient and undisturbed.