---
title: "ZyCoV-D: First DNA Vaccine for COVID-19 | Model Diplomat"
description: "ZyCoV-D is the world's first DNA plasmid-based COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Zydus Cadila and authorized for emergency use in India in August 2021."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/zycov-d"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- ZyCoV-D is the world's first DNA plasmid-based vaccine against COVID-19, developed by India's Zydus Cadila and granted emergency use authorisation in August 2021.
- What makes ZyCoV-D unique among COVID-19 vaccines?
- How does a DNA vaccine like ZyCoV-D work?
- Which institutions supported the development of ZyCoV-D?
- Why is ZyCoV-D important for the UPSC science-and-technology paper?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

ZyCoV-D is the world's first DNA plasmid-based vaccine against COVID-19, developed by India's Zydus Cadila and granted emergency use authorisation in August 2021.

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In August 2021, India's DCGI granted Emergency Use Authorisation to Zydus Cadila's ZyCoV-D, the world's first DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, cleared for the 12–18 age group and delivered needle-free.

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