Hello,
I’m in the early stages of the process with DB and heard they sometimes include group exercises. Can anyone confirm if that’s true for IBD, or is it just for other divisions?
Group interviews at Deutsche Bank


No, Deutsche Bank’s Investment Banking Division (IBD) interviews do not typically include group exercises in major recruiting regions (US, UK, etc.). These are far more common in other divisions (e.g., Global Markets, Corporate Bank).
What to Expect in DB IBD Interviews -
1. Standard Interview Structure (No Group Exercises)
DB IBD follows a traditional technical + behavioral format across all rounds:
First Round: 2x 30-minute interviews (mix of technicals, fit questions, and deal talk)
Superday / Final Round: 3-4 back-to-back interviews (mostly technical deep dives + behavioral)
2. Where Group Exercises Do Happen at DB (Not IBD)
Global Markets / Corporate Bank: Some assessment centers (especially in Europe) include group case studies
PWM / HR / Grad Schemes: Occasionally have teamwork tasks
IBD? Almost never, not that I have heard of
In very rare cases (e.g., EMEA region off-cycle / campus placements), there might be light group discussions—but this is not the norm

Hi,
Group exercises do occasionally appear in the recruitment process at Deutsche Bank, especially during assessment centres, but they are more commonly used in divisions like markets or graduate programs. For investment banking specifically, the focus tends to be more on individual technical interviews, case studies, and fit assessments.
That said, some group components may still be included, particularly if you're applying through a general internship or analyst program where candidates are assessed across multiple divisions.
Even if it's not guaranteed, preparing for group exercises is still wise. These sessions often test your ability to collaborate under pressure, communicate clearly, and contribute constructively without dominating. Focus on staying structured in your thinking, bringing others into the discussion, and showing that you can be both analytical and team-oriented. These are qualities banks value across all roles, including IBD.

From my understanding, Deutsche Bank does sometimes use group exercises, but they’re more common in assessment centers for markets, risk, or support functions.
For IBD, the process usually focuses on individual interviews, technicals, and fit questions, though group work can occasionally appear especially at superday-level in EMEA.
It’s smart to prep for group settings: focus on structured thinking, clear communication, and collaboration not dominating the discussion.







