The 2011 Census was the 15th decennial Census of India since 1872 when the first systematic Census was conducted throughout the country as per uniform pattern. This was the 7th successive exercise conducted after Independence. Census Operations in India is the biggest administrative exercise undertaken the World over. Census count is intended to cater to the growing needs of the Planners, Demographers, Scholars and Administrators. Unlike Surveys, which depend on a given sample size, the Census provides the only reliable and authentic data, available for the entire population at a single point of reference.

The Census of India 2011 has been conducted in two phases, namely i) Houselisting and Housing Census and ii) Population Enumeration. The first phase of the Census was conducted in the period April to September, 2010 in different States/Union Territories depending upon local conditions. In Gujarat, first phase of the Census has been conducted from 21st April to 4th June, 2010. The field work of the second phase (Population Enumeration) has been carried out during February-March, 2011 in all States/UTs.