Microsoft has topped the list of most reputed companies in India ahead of homegrown major Infosys [Get Quote] and public sector banking giant State Bank of India [Get Quote].

According to a survey by global market and insight group TNS, Intel, Maruti [Get Quote] and TCS [Get Quote] 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 [Get Quote] 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 [Get Quote] and Hindustan Petroleum were the leaders in their respective segments -- Telecom and Petroleum. Domestic pharma major Ranbaxy [Get Quote], which was recently acquired by Japanese drug firm Daiichi, has occupied the top slot amongst pharmaceutical companies in India.