According to the Nielsen Campus Track–B School Survey, Google become the employer with the strongest image among the students ahead of Tata Administrative Services, Hindustan Unilever and Procter & Gamble. Last year's topper, McKinsey has moved to the fifth place this year.
The survey also said the students are also expecting better salaries up to an average of Rs 16 lakh annually, which is higher by Rs one lakh from last year.
The fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector is the choice for 54 per cent of 860 students graduating in 2011 from 30 of India's leading management institutes, including the various IIMs, the report said.
According to the survey the other areas that the students preferred after FMCG are management consulting, investment banks, oil and energy and foreign banks.
Oil and energy, diversified conglomerates and the automobile sector have entered the top ten, edging out financial institutions, entertainment and media and Indian banks which were previously on the top 10 list, it said.
The survey gauges students' perceptions of companies and their considerations as they evaluate prospective employers.
"A diversification of sectoral preference, coupled with a resurgence of sectors like management consulting and investment banking companies is symptomatic of greater optimism within the prospective talent pool," The Nielsen Company, Executive Director, Surekha Poddar said.
On the remuneration front, the survey said the average salary expected by students from their 'dream company' has increased by Rs one lakh, to Rs 16 lakh this year. The average salary expectation for overseas placements is Rs 29 lakh.
"This year, the proportion of students expecting an offer of less than Rs 10 lakh has seen a significant decline indicating stronger confidence in the economy and a more buoyant job market," Poddar said.
In terms of companies with the strongest image as an employer, the survey said "Google has moved up from the second position last year to emerge as the employer with the strongest image."
The IT giant is followed by Tata Administrative Services, Hindustan Unilever and Procter & Gamble. Last year's topper, McKinsey has moved to fifth place this year.
Factors like growth prospects, the degree of independence take marginal precedence over the salary offered while making a choice, the survey said.
Job content, market standing of the company and the perceived opportunity to learn from top talent are also critical dimensions for students evaluating future employers.
It could be worrying for prospective employees, the survey said more than two third students plan to move out of their first job within four years.
Better career options, better position, and higher pay are the main reasons for moving out of the first job, the survey said.