New Delhi, June 24: US software giant Microsoft has topped the list of most reputed companies in India ahead of home-grown major Infosys and public sector banking giant State Bank of India.

According to a survey by global market and insight group TNS; Intel, Maruti and TCS take the next three spots on the reputation front.

"Looking at performance within specific sectors, Microsoft leads in the technology sector, State Bank of India in the financial services sector and Maruti tops the automobile sector," a study on corporate reputation in India in 2008 by TNS India said.

The report said State Bank of India`s rise to number three is on the back of strong reputation amongst the financial community and prospective employees, representing stability in the face of the several crises that hit the financial services industry in the last year.

Nestle was ranked ahead of Hindustan Unilever in FMCG sector, it added.

"... While market leadership, performance and quality still drive reputation, softer aspects like corporate governance and social responsibility are beginning to emerge as the hidden opportunities for companies to leverage," the report said.

According to the report, Reliance Communications and Hindustan Petroleum were the leaders in their respective segments - telecom and petroleum. Domestic pharma major Ranbaxy, which was recently acquired by Japanese drug firm Daiichi, has occupied the top slot amongst pharmaceutical companies in India.

Korean manufacturer LG Electronics has led the way amongst durables firms, the report said.

"As reputation is a complex combination of rational and emotional factors, it also emphasises the need for companies to address a range of both performance and perception issues," TNS India vice president (research practice) Kalpana Sitaraman said.

The survey was carried out among 63 companies in 11 centers across the country.